3 Ways to Help Kids Feel Safe During a Thunderstorm

Ever wonder what you can do to help kids feel safe during the big storm?

Help kids feel safe? Ha! Easier said than done, right?

It’s difficult for anyone to feel safe during a severe storm. Adults included. How can you comfort kids in the process?

With a little effort, it can be done.

Take it from someone who grew up in the swirling cockpit of severe storms and tornadoes. That someone is right here. Yep, me.

Growing Up in Tornado Alley

I grew up in Tornado Alley. Storm chasing teams traveled to my home area each spring. They stay in hotels until summer chasing some of the country’s worst thunderstorms.

As a child, I remember sitting outside watching tornadoes dance through our pastures and crop fields.  I remember those moments being calming and incredible learning moments for me.

Call me crazy, but I think storms are beautiful. The beautiful colors of the skies turning and twisting is breathtaking.

Believe it or not, I felt safe growing up in Tornado Alley. Looking back on my experiences, I recall three simple strategies that helped me and other kids in Tornado Alley feel safe during storms.

Stay Calm

This is a hard one if you’re scared to death of storms. But, it’s an important one and you have to try it.

Kids notice when you are nervous, stressed, and scared. So, how will the kids feel safe when they know YOU don’t feel safe?

An anxious adult creates an anxious kid. The kid can feel it.

But, if the adult is calm and knows what to do to be safe – The kids will follow suit.

The best way to feel safe is to be prepared and to have a plan. Practice the plan prior to storm season.

Teach Kids About Storms

Kids follow the actions of their leaders. But they still have many questions. Great learning opportunities await!

Teach your kids to be prepared and know the signs of a storm coming. Teach them about cloud movement, air temperature and sky color.

Teach the kids weather terminology, such as the difference between a watch and a warning. It’s important to keep weather radios and weather trackers in the right locations where they can be heard.

Teaching the kids is part of helping them feel safe and secure. The feeling of safety will help them to keep their minds off the storm during the time in the storm shelter.

Activity Bag for the Storm Shelter

Life in the storm shelter can become boring for kids waiting for the storm to subside. Pack an activity bag or box willed with all kinds of goodies for the family to enjoy.

Puzzles
Books
Coloring Books
Crayons
Board Games
Cards
Jacks

These are simple games and activities that can fit into an activity box or bag. It also wouldn’t hurt to add some healthy snacks into the mix, just in case.

No one knows how long the storm will last. But, time in the shelter can be an enjoyable time with memories made. As long as kids can feel safe.

Help Kids Feel Safe to Be Safe

Because you never know when the storm will come. You never know how intense and dangerous the storm will be. But, it’s up to you to help kids feel safe during the storm.

First of all, stay calm. Use this real time of nature’s beauty to teach the kids about storm activity. Finally, provide an activity bag for the time in the storm shelter.

How do you stay safe in the midst of a big storm? 

~ Much Love ~

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