When faced with emergency situations like a severe storm, children can feel the stress deeply and may react in different ways. The key to helping your children cope is simply by being there and making them feel safe. Keep in mind the following tips:
• Take your children’s fears seriously and tell them that it’s okay to be scared.
• Explain the events as best you can and acknowledge what’s frightening about what happened.
• Tell your kids what you think and feel. Doing so helps them feel less alone if they have similar feelings. n Maintain familiar routines, like mealtimes and regular bedtime hours.
• While parents can play a huge role in helping children deal with anxiety, it may be helpful to talk to a professional, such as a psychologist or social worker, who can help children understand and cope with their emotions.
