When it comes to children and hurricanes, honesty really is the best policy.
Tell them what's happening, involve them in preparations and have plenty of board games on hand if the electricity goes out. Above all, experts advise, keep yourself calm and children will follow your guide.
"If parents are very upset or hysterical, children will very easily pick up those cues," said Judith Becker Bryant, a psychology professor at the University of South Florida in Tampa.
After parents make plans, they should stick with them for the sake of the children. An abrupt change may instill fear. Fear often is based on a lack of information, Bryant said.
"Talk to them. Tell them what's going on, let them see the news and listen to the radio and help them plot the location" of the hurricane, she said.
Experts say a parent's approach should vary depending on the child's age. Don't give children who are younger than 10 too much information. Keep it at the level of their interest.
Ask children who are older than 10 how they are doing and reassure them, said Charles Figley, a professor in the School of Social Work at Florida State University.
If a child is scared, talk to him about why he is scared, while keeping a calm voice, said Judy Canning, president of the Florida School Counseling Association and a guidance counselor at Webb Middle School in Tampa.
Parents can admit they are scared, but they also should be reassuring. Canning suggested one possible response: "Yes, it's scary, but we have a nice, strong house to keep us safe."
Involve children in preparing for the storm, she said. Allow them to help bring items inside, come up with lists of grocery items the family can buy or fill the bathtub with water.
Take advantage of quiet time with children. Have an older sibling read to a younger sibling. Bring out sleeping bags and have a slumber party. "If you lose electricity, it's like camping out in the house," Bryant said.
Keep crayons, paper, puzzles, coloring books, board games and craft activities on hand. Play with Legos. Pull out photo albums and tell family stories. Give children their own flashlights. "That will make them feel better if they have their own flashlight," Canning said.
Let a child who is scared sleep on the floor of his parents' bedroom. Families that host others should be sensitive to a child who wants to stay in his own room. "It's their room, it's their bed, which is their security," Canning said.
National Hurricane Center
