As adults, we may have become used to the hurricane experience. When we hear of a hurricane threat, we are most concerned about personal, physical and property security. What is often overlooked, is the psychological trauma it may cause our children.
To a child, hearing word of an incoming storm can be a scary thing and even bring on a sense of panic, especially to those who are afraid of thunder and lightning. It is important to provide support to your children through educational methods, so they can understand what’s really going on, instead of imagining the worst.
Here are some quick tips to prepare your children for the next hurricane:
Talk to them: Just one conversation could change your child’s view of a hurricane. Your children’s reactions are a mirror of yours. By staying calm during the conversation, and especially during a storm, your kids will not have a reason to fear.
Make them comfortable: During a storm, it is important to surround your child with as much love as possible. Make sure they have comfort items such as favorite blankets, toys, and/or board games the whole family can play. This serves as a great distraction from what is going on outside.
Block out the noise: For children who are terrified of thunder and lightning, cover the windows with curtains and provide them with headphones so they may listen to calming music or their favorite songs. They could even watch their favorite movie or show on a portable device such as a laptop, iPad or phone (which isn’t being used for communication purposes).
Educate: Educating your children on hurricanes could actually turn their fear into fascination. Teach your children this is all a part of nature. Learn some fun facts about the storm and create an interest in the storm, while squashing their fears. Let them watch the news with you and take the opportunity to explain things which they may not understand.
As one of Florida's largest home insurers, Florida Peninsula Insurance Company knows the importance of keeping your family and home safe and protected. We strive to provide efficient, cost-effective, peace-of-mind protection for our policyholders. To learn more about Florida Peninsula, please contact (877) 229-2244 or visit the Get a Quote section on our website.
