How to Keep Your Kids Calm and Entertained During a Cyclone
When a cyclone is on the horizon, it’s natural for kids to feel unsettled. The strong winds, heavy rain, and changes to daily routines can create stress for even the most easygoing children. As a parent or caregiver, your role in maintaining a sense of calm and keeping them engaged is key to helping the whole family weather the storm. With a little preparation and creativity, you can transform a potentially scary experience into one that feels safe and even a little fun.
Start with Reassurance and Communication
The first step in keeping kids calm is to talk openly about what’s happening in a way they can understand. Use age-appropriate language and keep explanations simple and clear. Let them know that you’re prepared, that you’ll keep them safe, and that you’ll be together no matter what. Reassure them that the cyclone will pass and that you have a plan in place.
It’s also important to listen to their concerns. Encourage your kids to ask questions and share their feelings. Even a simple “It’s okay to feel scared, but we’re going to be just fine” can help them feel heard and supported. By keeping communication open and positive, you’ll ease their anxiety and foster a sense of security.
Create a Cozy “Safe Space”
Setting up a designated area in your home where everyone can stay together can provide a sense of comfort and stability. This might be a windowless room or a hallway where you’ll ride out the worst of the storm. Bring in pillows, blankets, and even a few sleeping bags to make the space cozy and inviting. If your kids associate this spot with safety and togetherness, it will help reduce their fear.
Stock Up on Comfort Items
Familiar items can make all the difference. Make sure to have your child’s favourite stuffed animal, blanket, or toy nearby. These comfort objects offer a sense of normalcy during a chaotic time. If you’re dealing with younger children, having a few pacifiers or special bedtime toys on hand can also be a big help.
Plan a Variety of Activities
Keeping kids entertained helps distract them from the storm outside and prevents boredom from setting in. Have a mix of activities ready, such as:
Books and story time: Read aloud from their favourite stories or make up your own adventures.
Colouring and crafts: Pack crayons, colouring books, and simple craft supplies. Drawing or creating can be both calming and fun.
Board games and puzzles: These are great for older kids and can involve the whole family.
Music and sing-alongs: If you have a battery-powered speaker or radio, put on some upbeat music and have a sing-along session.
Imaginative play: Encourage them to build forts, put on a puppet show, or create a treasure hunt within the room.
Switching between activities every so often will keep things interesting and help pass the time.
Use Technology Wisely
If you have a charged tablet or laptop and power is still available, consider downloading a few kids’ shows, movies, or educational apps ahead of time. While screen time can’t be your only solution, a favourite movie or a couple of fun apps can provide a needed distraction and give you a moment to regroup. Just remember to preserve battery life in case you lose power, and have a backup plan for when screens aren’t available.
Get Involved in Fun “Storm Challenges”
Turn the storm into a game. For instance, challenge your kids to see who can build the tallest “pillow tower” or draw the funniest storm creature. Have a “guess the sound” game as the wind howls or a “storm dance” contest to help them burn off nervous energy. By making it playful, you shift the focus from fear to fun.
Keep the Atmosphere Positive
Kids are remarkably perceptive, and they’ll pick up on your mood. If you stay calm and upbeat, they’re more likely to do the same. Even if you’re feeling a little anxious yourself, try to maintain a positive attitude. Smiles, laughter, and a reassuring tone can work wonders in helping kids feel safe.
Involve Them in the Process
Older children often feel more secure when they have something to do. Give them small tasks, such as gathering their favourite books, packing their emergency snacks, or helping to set up the “safe space.” When they’re part of the preparation, they’ll feel more in control and less helpless.
Encourage Open Discussion After the Storm
Once the cyclone has passed, sit down together and talk about the experience. Ask your kids how they felt, what they enjoyed, and what they might want to do differently next time. Reflecting on the situation helps them process their emotions and reinforces the idea that, even in challenging times, the family can work together and make the best of it.
Staying Calm, Together
A tropical cyclone can be a scary event, but with a little planning, you can help your children feel calm, safe, and even entertained throughout the storm. By focusing on reassurance, creating a cozy space, and having plenty of activities on hand, you’ll turn a potentially stressful experience into a memory of togetherness and resilience. When kids see that their family is calm and prepared, they’ll feel more confident facing the storm—and any other challenges that come their way.
