The hurricane is over. I pray that you and your family are safe and that your home is still livable. I hope this event becomes just a small, scary moment in a lifetime of wonderful memories. However, it’s important to acknowledge that this was likely a traumatic experience for you and your children, regardless of whether you evacuated, stayed behind, lost your home, or experienced no damage at all.
Perhaps you huddled together at home, listening to the howling winds. Maybe you evacuated to a relative's house or spent a few days in a hotel. Perhaps you found yourself stuck on the road, only to turn back because you couldn’t reach your destination. Your home might look just as you left it, or it could be completely submerged, damaged, or even destroyed.
So, what comes next? How do we talk to our kids about this experience?
When frightening events occur, children are aware. It’s better to be open about your feelings; they can sense your worry. If we try to hide our fear, children may come to believe that fear itself is something to be ashamed of. Instead, express your feelings honestly. For example, you might say, “I’m a little worried because our house has a pretty big boo-boo, but we will find the right people to fix it. No matter what, I will make sure you are safe. Should we color now?”
If your home didn’t sustain any damage, you could say, “That was a really big storm, and it was scary. I was scared, too. Things might look different in some of our favorite playgrounds because of the storm. But I will make sure you are safe. Would you like your snack now?”
You don’t need to say anything else right away. Your child may have questions immediately or may come back to them hours or days later. Answer their inquiries honestly and simply, allowing them to express themselves. If they want to play, let them do so. There’s no need to force a conversation; children often process difficult events over several days.
Of course, we speak to our 2-year-olds very differently than we do our teens, but the core idea remains the same: “I was scared because of [specific reason]. But we are safe now, and we will do what needs to be done to fix things.” Be sure to give them an opportunity to engage or disengage from the conversation as they wish. Older kids may want to delve deeper into the topic, while others might wait days to ask their questions. Be creative in your responses! You can teach toddlers about how hurricanes spin by acting it out, while with older children, you can research information together or simply discuss the experience.
If you have more questions about how to help your child process this event or if your child is struggling with nightmares, anxiety, or any concerning behavior, please reach out to us. Sometimes, kids need a little extra help to navigate difficult situations, and we are always here for you.
Taking care of your kids is not just making sure we treat ear infections and asthma, at Blooming Bright Pediatrics we take care of every part of your child, and help you with every part of being a parent. We believe every parent deserves this level of convenience and peace of mind. Curious to learn more about how we can support your family during sick days and beyond? Visit our website and book a free meet and greet to talk with our team. We're here to support you every step of the way.
Here for you,
~Dr. Chacko at Blooming Bright
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