We are enrolling! Join us in nurturing young minds, fostering creativity, and creating a brighter future. We're excited to introduce your child to a world of possibilities! Contact us today for details.
While, as parents, we know we will remain safe during rainstorms, many of our preschoolers have anxiety surrounding storms. Storms are something out of our control, but here are some ways to help calm our preschoolers during this scary time.
Talk About Storms
In the moment a storm is happening, it is hard for our children to focus on anything else, like you telling them it is going to be okay. Try talking to your child ahead of time about the storm and why they will be safe. If you know a big storm is coming and the sky starts to get dark, remind your child about what you have talked about so they can try to remain calm. Do this in an educational way, so as not to create fear in them (Don’t create a problem where there wasn’t one before. If storms stress your child out, then these tips might help). Teach them why thunder is loud (two large bodies of air colliding), but that it’s not dangerous. Teach them that rain is important to water the plants and trees. Teach them to go inside if they see lightning in the sky–even if it appears to be distant. Teaching preschoolers about storms can ease their fears simply by gaining an understanding of what is going on.
Create a Distraction
Once the storm starts, try to find a fun activity to do with your child. Play a board game, watch a movie, or read a book! If you can, find a room with less windows or shut the blinds. They will still be able to hear the storm, but hopefully not being able to see it will help them focus on the activity at hand.
Hold a Stuffed Animal
Some little ones feel better when they are holding onto something in the storm. Whether they choose a stuffed animal, blanket, or parent, having something to squeeze during thunder and lightning can help reassure them.
Answer Their Questions
When your child has questions about the storm, try to answer them honestly while remaining positive. If the power goes out, tell them nothing happened to your home. If the winds are picking up, it means the storm is moving fast and should be over soon. Try to answer their questions in a way that focuses on the storm passing and not the negative attributes that can be scary.
These tips will not cure your child of their storm anxiety but should help them cope. Try to remain patient and calm with your child while reassuring them of their safety. They will make it through and so will you!
Want to learn more about Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy of Duluth Suwanee located in Duluth, Georgia? Our mission is to provide secure, nurturing, and educational environments for children ages 6 weeks – 12 years. We help children to bloom into responsible, considerate, and contributing members of society. For more information, give us a call or stop by for a tour! We’d love to get to know you and your family.