It’s bad enough if mildly inclement weather keeps kids inside, but the effect is magnified when the weather turns nasty and treacherous, something that Floridians may witness during hurricane season. With that time fast approaching again, how can you keep your children occupied and calm if you find yourself riding one out? Experts and some seasoned parents weigh in with calming advice for your family.
• Just the Facts, Mom and Dad
Want to let your kids know what’s going on? How much is too much information? Ann H. Kelley, P.H.D., Project Director of Healing the Hurt, a partner of the National Children’s Traumatic Stress Network, advocates defining terms for kids. “Give them factual information,” she stresses. “Answer questions such as ‘What is a hurricane?’ ‘What does level (1, 2, 3, or 4) mean?’ and ‘What causes it?’”
• Never Let Them See You Sweat
A calm parent is key to reducing a child’s anxiety. Some hurricane anxiety is parent-driven, and kids do well when parents do well. Plan ahead, be prepared and then stay calm.
• Plan Ahead
While there’s only so much you can do to prepare for a hurricane, a bit of advance planning can help “smooth the rough edges”. Recommendations include having two weeks worth of batteries and bottled water, lots of candles, and considering the purchase of a generator.
• Keep Busy
To avoid complete and utter boredom and to help keep themselves distracted, children are going to need something to do. What types of ways are best to pass the time? Consider having a few games and activities tucked away for a rainy day. Having something new and novel to do will keep kids occupied for awhile.
• Fix It—Or At Least Find a Band-aid
Perhaps after all your preparations, the worst does happen. How then do you help your child cope? The most important response by a parent following trauma or disaster is to seek to reestablish sense of security. The child needs to trust that parent will look after them so they feel safe again. Reminders of the disaster can reignite feelings and parents should look for practical, doable ways to relieve the stress.
• Go Back To Normal
Try to keep things as normal as circumstances will allow. Incorporate as much of your child’s routine as possible into your daily activities and maintain or return to that routine as soon as possible. In general, do what you can to keep things familiar and comfortable for your child.
With hurricane season upon us again, it’s a relief to know that there’s quite a bit we can do as parents to help our children ride the storm out and look forward to more carefree days of playing outside.