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 Storm
Survival
Center
Help Your Kids (but make sure you're calm first!)
Reprinted from "Miami Daily Press"
You've bought the extra batteries, the jugs of water and a full tank of gas. You've outfitted a cozy-enough storm cellar in the closet under the stairs. Now don't forget one other vital element of storm preparation: Talk to your kids.
Psychologists say that's the most important part of helping a child ride out a hurricane and the stress that comes with it. But choose your words carefully. Kids don't think like adults. Two experts, Charles Figley of Florida State University and Elaine M. Justice of Old Dominion University, offer these tips.
- Answer your kids' questions, but don't overdo it. Young children don't
need a lengthy explanation. "A hurricane is a big storm" will
probably do the trick. Remember, if they ask what time it is, don't tell
them how to make a watch.
- But older kids will need more specific answers. And do make sure the kids
understand how important it is for them to listen to adults during the
storm.
- Find something, anything, positive. If you're evacuating to a friend or
relative's house, stress to your child the chance to visit with that
person.
- Let your kids have some say in what's happening. Let them help fill water
bottles, for example. This gives the child a sense of control.
- Don't rush them out the door unless it's absolutely necessary. If you've
got to leave your home, let them pick a favorite toy or two. Despite their
impulsive nature, kids are very sensitive to breaks in their routine. Like
little executives, they like to be notified ahead of time.
- Stay calm during the pre-hurricane hype. If you're glued to the
television, ordering them to hush during news updates, kids will sense
something's not right and may exaggerate the danger. They'll see video of
Hurricane Andrew and make a jump in logic that says, "That's going to
happen to my house." Be prepared to dispel what may seem to be
irrational fears.
- After the storm, know whether your child needs help dealing with the
traumatic stress. Talk to parents of kids of the same age and gender to
compare how you child is doing.
- Most of all, be reassuring. If an evacuation is necessary, don't run
around yelling, "We've gotta get out! We've gotta get out!"
Children take their cues from adults. If you look scared, they'll be
scared. If you're coping well, they'll do better, too.
Kid's Supplies
A child's supply kit should be equipped with the same
things included for an overnight stay at Grandma's. Here's a checklist:
- Games and toys.
- A favorite blanket or stuffed animal.
- Favorite books.
- Food: The favorite food can go in the children's kit, while other basic items go with the main family stores.
- Toothbrush, toothpaste.
- Rain gear.
- Paper, pencils, coloring books and crayons.
- Flashlight, batteries.
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Last Revised: November 01, 2006 03:47 PM. |
