How to Ease Your Child's Fear of Thunderstorms

7/29/2022 (Permalink)

No two kids react to major and minor storms in quite the same way. Maybe yours gets a thrill at a flash of lightning or the kaboom of thunder. Or perhaps yours is the type who frets as soon the clouds roll in—not unreasonable if you or someone your child knows has weathered dramatic weather events, especially hurricanes or tornadoes. Fortunately, there are things you can do to ease your kids’ weather woes, both before a storm strikes and after it passes.

Try these tips from leading psychologists and weather experts:

• Recognize that large and small storms can—and do—disrupt family life
• Remember that round-the-clock news updates can trigger anxiety
• Remain calm and supportive if your kids are apprehensive
• Don’t underestimate the power of curiosity
• Watch age-appropriate videos together