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6 Ways to Prepare Your Kids for Storms.
5/27/2022 (Permalink)
image of a superhero kid facing a thunderstorm in Redding, California.
Storms can be rare in the Summer months in Shasta County, with our wettest months being between October 28th till May 2nd, according to Weatherspark.com. But that doesn't prevent that beautiful summer sky from turning black, bringing scary sounds and flashes of lightning that send our kids rushing to our beds. Fear is a learned trait, something we have picked up from observing while watching a movie, tv-show, or even hanging with friends. How do we help kids prepare for those Summer storms, keep them safe, and break that pesky habit of running to the parent's bedroom every time it rains?
- Empower through education
- Each stage of a kid's development brings different challenges, wonder, and growth. Depending on your child's age will also depend on the different needs they have. Teaching, at an early stage, the science behind storms could help prevent future anxiety.
What is a thunderstorm?
What causes a thunderstorm?
Are thunderstorms dangerous?
Answering simple questions like these could help familiarize children with storms and increase their desire to learn more. Weather Wiz Kids is a great resource that helps answer some of these questions while giving Thunderstorm Ideas to help learn about static electricity.
- Coloring and Art
- Exposure and response prevention is a proven way to help kids fight their anxiety in a safe environment. Gradually exposing kids to things that might trigger their anxiety could help them fight their fears in the future.
Projects like the above list are great ways to have children face storms and provide them with tools that could help gently prevent anxiety.
- Be Prepared
Being alone and the dark are some of the top fears of children. Creating a plan for severe storms could help prevent both things from happening.
- Create a Storm Bag.
- Inside the bag might include a flashlight, extra batteries, a storm radio, a cuddle buddy (for younger children), a blanket, water, and non-perishable snacks. If the lights go out, grab your child's hand, walk together to the bag and your kid never has to be alone or in the dark for long.
- Prepare a Kid Box.
- Turning what could be a scary moment into a fun-filled afternoon could be as easy as playing flashlight games and creating a great distraction from the storm. Glow sticks, coloring books, crayons, snacks, and your smartphone are just a few things we recommend for your Kid's Storm Box. The outside world might be going crazy, but inside the home, your kids are rocking to their favorite song from your smartphone or creating their next masterpiece. Making their storm experience fun and exciting and not scary and filled with anxiety.
- Have SERVPRO of North Shasta, Trinity, and Greater Tehama Counties' number programmed into your phone.
- Home is supposed to be a safe refuge for our children. When a disaster strikes and causes destruction in and around your home, it can prevent children from feeling at ease. At SERVPRO, we understand how important getting your home back to working order is and make it our top priority. As a parent, you are working hard to guide, grow, and mold your children, so let us help when storm damage affects your house. Grab your phone, click add new contacts, type SERVPRO of North Shasta in the name, and type 530-222-0200 under the phone number. We are here, 24/7, 365 days a year, day or night, waiting for you when you need us.