How to help kids cope with weather anxiety during Oklahoma’s storm season

As we hit peak severe weather season, kids might have trouble understanding everything happening around them.

Tulsa Kids Magazine Editor Betty Casey has advice to help parents talk to their kids about severe weather.

First, know that weather fears are fairly common, and it may start as young as age two.

As they get older, they become more familiar with the sights and sounds of storms, especially living in “tornado alley”

Signs that your child is struggling:

Excessive clinginess and frequent questions, especially regarding their safety.

Hiding or trying to avoid the storm somehow.

What you can do:

1. Provide a calm environment
2. Answer questions honestly in ways they can understand;
3. Agree that the storm is loud, but they have a safe place to go together until it passes.

Older children may be fearful about an impending storm, so you may not want to share that early, like before they go to school.

1. Review your safety plan with them in a way that is appropriate for their age.
2. Make the safety area comfortable with favorite blankets, stuffed toys, games, Play-Doh or snacks.

Having constant news coverage might make young children’s fears worse.

1. They are not able to understand where the storm is.
2. Watch with older children and use it as a learning tool.