Tips and activities to get through a hurricane with your children

The beginning of the hurricane season is usually a phenomenon that causes anxiety and fear in all family members. Often, during this process, children feel insecure and confused about what to expect during a storm or hurricane. It is usual for them to express their fears and be more affectionate and attached to us. However, it is important to explain and prepare them for the different scenarios we may face at the storm’s end. In this way, we can work with anxiety levels, develop their intrapersonal intelligence and prepare them to understand this natural phenomenon. Here are some tips and activities you can do when going through a storm with your kids.

Explain what a hurricane is.

Use simple words to explain a hurricane, how we should prepare, and what to expect before, during, and after the event.

Plan recreational activities (games).

You can plan activities that include board games, puzzles, cards, coloring books, and even make a fort with pillows, sheets, cushions, and chairs.

Keep the dialogue always going.

Keep communication constant. Ask your child how they feel, clarify doubts or questions, reassure them that they are protected, and maintain an upbeat attitude.

Read a book or a story during the hurricane.

Reading is not only stimulating; it often serves as therapy. Use this opportunity to clear the children and get into the story or story they are reading. In the end, they can ask questions or discuss the opinion they have about the reading already read.

Use a map to track the hurricane’s path.

You can use a map to follow the hurricane’s path and mark its path.

Tell them about your experiences with hurricanes or storms when you were a child.

Children loved to hear stories from their parents when they were little. Take the opportunity to tell them about your experience, how you felt, and what your parents did to protect you.

Stay together as a family.

You can all move to the living room or find a place where you can all be together and spend the night in a way that makes you feel safe.

Remember that children will mirror what they see around them. It is essential to stay calm, be prepared and find a safe place. The more we can involve our children in the process, the safer and more confident they will feel.