The humidity of Spring and Summer often means the occasional thunder storm. Now as an adult, I love a good storm and how it means it’s time for some freshness in the air, but as a child, I was terrified of them and I can imagine for many children, this can be a rather frightening experience. Therefore, today I’m going to share with you some tips on how you can keep your little people calm during a storm, so they are able to ride it out to the best of their ability.
Tip Number 1: Keep your cool!
I mention that children can be scared of storms, but this is still the case for adults too! If you’re anxious about the weather yourself, try to keep your cool. Children feed off your energy and they will know if you feel unsettled, in turn, unsettling them.
Tip Number 2: Make a lesson out of the storm
An approaching storm is a perfect time to squeeze that extra science lesson in. Explain to a child what a thunder storm is so that they can begin to understand and process what is happening around them. There are books and videos online that can help you with this.
Tip Number 3: Keep your child busy or use the storm as a game
You may find carrying on with your normal routine is enough to ignore the storm outside, but if not, and your child needs a little more distracted, then create a little game using the storm as your focus. For example, when I was little, my gran would tell me to count the seconds between the lightening and the thunder, then I would know how many miles away that is. I’m not sure if there’s any truth in this, but it worked for me!
Tip Number 4: Be honest and give your child tips about how they can stay safe in a storm
This may increase your child’s confidence when it comes to thundering and lightening as they are aware of the dangers but can relax as they know how to keep themselves safe. Explain how usual activities such as Forest School may cease during a storm, explain how being indoors is best and that standing under trees should be avoided.
Tip Number 5: Be patient and give comfort
If the distractions aren’t working, your child is aware of the science behind the thunder and lightening and they’re still anxious. Be patient and offer comfort, create a safe space and let your child hug it out. It’s rare we have this kind of weather here, so it may take your child some time to get used to them when they do happen, so give them the comfort they need, it will get easier.
