Big storms and unexpected weather events can be unsettling for kids. As parents, it’s natural to wonder how to help them stay calm and feel secure during uncertain times. Below, you’ll find practical ways to support your child, ease their worries, and create a sense of safety and comfort at home.

📥 Download: The Feelings Wheel (PDF) – Help kids express their emotions

📖 5 Ways to Support Your Kids During Scary Times – A quick guide for parents

📚 Book Recommendation: Seen by Will Hutcherson & Dr. Chinwé Williams – Learn how to help kids process fear & anxiety

📧 Get Parenting Support Delivered to You – Sign up for practical tools & insights

It’s normal for kids to feel nervous, scared, or unsure during big storms. The best thing you can do is listen, reassure, and help them process their emotions.

🔹 Help Them Identify Emotions – Some kids struggle to name their emotions. A Feeling Wheel can be a great tool to help them express how they feel.

📥 Download the Free Feelings Wheel Here

What to Say Instead of "Don’t be scared":

✅ “I understand this feels big, but we are prepared, and we’ll get through it together.”

✅ “Storms can be loud and unpredictable, but we are safe, and we have a plan.”

A few simple steps can make your home feel less stressful and give kids a sense of security.

👜 Make a Storm Kit – Gather essentials like a flashlight, snacks, blankets, books, and small toys.

🛋️ Set Up a Cozy Space – Create a comforting area with pillows and their favorite stuffed toy.

🎶 Use Music or Stories – Play soft music, an audiobook, or a kids’ podcast to provide a calming distraction.

📺 Limit Media Exposure – Staying informed is important, but too much media can increase anxiety.

📖 5 Ways to Support Your Kids During Scary Times

Keeping kids busy and engaged shifts their focus away from fear. Try these simple indoor activities:

🎭 “Would You Rather?” – Ask fun and silly questions to keep their minds occupied.

🔍 Indoor Scavenger Hunt – Have them search for everyday items around the house.

🛖 Build a Fort – Use blankets and pillows to create a “storm hideout” together.

🧱 Lego City Challenge – Work as a family to build an awesome Lego city.

🖍️ Drawing & Colouring – Let kids draw their “safe place” or color a fun scene.

📖 Read a Favourite Book – A comforting story can be a great distraction.

✏️ Make Up a Story – Take turns adding sentences to create a fun or silly story.

Once the storm has passed, take time to reflect together.

🔹 Look at the Feeling Wheel again and ask:

✅ "Which feeling describes how you felt during the storm?"

✅ "How do you feel now that the storm is over?"

✅ "What helped you feel safe?"

✅ "How can we stay calm the next time there’s a storm?"

If your child struggles with anxiety beyond storms, this book provides powerful insights into helping kids process fear and difficult emotions:

📖 Seen: Despair and Anxiety in Kids and Teenagers and the Power of Connection by Will Hutcherson & Dr. Chinwé Williams

💡 A quick and practical read for parents and caregivers, offering real-life tools to support kids struggling with anxiety, despair, or fear.

At Beyond, we value families and understand that parents can benefit from practical resources and support. Besides these Phase Resources, we have even more content coming soon!

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Parenting in uncertain times is tough, but you’re doing an amazing job just by being present for your child.

💙 Your love and reassurance mean more than you know.

🎉 Create small moments of fun to lighten the mood.

🗣️ Talk openly about their feelings before and after the storm.

Even in uncertainty, you have the power to create a sense of safety and peace in your home. 🌿