Helping Children During the Threat of a Hurricane

Step

Action

1

Remember that children need to talk about their anxieties. This process of talking will help them work out their feelings.

2

Give children clear information on what is happening and what could happen (within reason and considering their age). Knowing that you understand the situation will ease their feelings.

3

Involve your children in the family's hurricane preparation. Also, allow your child to have his or her own flashlight in order to give him or her a sense of control.

4

Take your children's feelings seriously and reassure them often. Be patient with them.

5

Younger children need to work out their fears while playing. Try to help them through this process with comments like, "That tower made a lot of noise when it fell down, didn't it?" or "That baby is sad, isn't she?"

6

Gently tell your children that sometimes life can be hard, but reassure them that the family is safe and together.

7

If the children are afraid of separating from their family and of going to school or child care, give them something that will comfort them such as a toy or picture.

8

Try to keep children as close to their daily routine as possible. Routine is what gives children security and a sense of normalcy.

9

Children sometimes tend to think that it is their fault if something goes wrong. Be sure they understand they are not at fault.

10

Tell children bedtime stories with happy, safe endings.

11

Repeat all these tips over and over again. It takes time and patience to make children feel secure.