The Calm Before the Storm: Preparing Kids for Severe Weather Season

As a meteorologist in Oklahoma, I am often approached by parents with requests to talk to their children. Sure, many of them think it is cool and want to learn more, but there are quite a few that come to me with the opposite – storm anxiety.

The parents are hopeful that if I chat with their children about how a storm is formed, or if they see what it looks like to showcase the weather from behind the scenes of a television station, it may calm their nerves next time they find themselves hunkered down while tornado sirens are blaring.

According to Tulsa-based Clinical Psychologist Meg Cardoni, PhD., it is not out of the ordinary if your child is suffering from this type of anxiety.

“These fears are fairly common in children as they navigate their first few storm seasons,” Cardoni said.

In fact, Cardoni says children can start to notice storms as early as 2 years old.

“At that age they are aware of storms as sensory experiences, so they process the sights and sounds of the storm,” Cardoni said.

But as children grow older, they become even more aware, especially living in Tornado Alley.

Nationally Certified School Psychologist Meggie Hunter starts to see kids by the age of 5.

“At that age they have past experiences to lean on like loud noises or strong winds,” Hunter said. “Those experiences can also trigger anxiety.”

Signs of storm anxiety

So, what are common signs that your child may be struggling with storm season?

“Excessive clinginess and frequent questions have been two of the most common outward signs of anxiety in the elementary years,” Hunter said. “The questions may be in the form of seeking knowledge regarding their safety.”

Another sign of storm anxiety can be avoidance.

“You may see them hiding, staying away from windows or refusing to leave the house or go outside,” Hunter said.

Statistically, April and May are our busiest seasons when it comes to severe weather. During the month of April, we average 12 tornadoes. But in May, we average over 24 tornadoes. However, last year was above average with 54 confirmed tornadoes in May and a new record high last April with 56 confirmed tornadoes.

So, as we head into the thick of the season, if you notice some signs of stress in your children, there are ways you can help them cope.

Calming storm anxiety

“Provide a calm environment and be honest and supportive,” Hunter said. “It is important to provide them answers they can understand.”

Hunter suggests one response may be: “I know thunder is loud and storms feel scary, but remember we have our safe place and are together until it passes.”

“Older children may need more details about storms,” Cardoni said. “Letting kids know a storm is coming is a good idea, but I tend to wait until closer to time. Knowing all day at school when a storm is expected to come in the evening is not very helpful.”

And before a storm takes place, it is helpful to review a safety plan with your kids. Let them know where you all will be going if sirens go off and try to make the area as comfortable as possible for them.

“Some children like to get their favorite blankets, stuffies, flashlights or even helmets,” Cardoni said. “Distractions can also work wonders. Play music or sing songs, tell funny stories, or play a game. Having a box of supplies is helpful, too. Games, Play-Doh and even snacks can be included.”

But if you notice your child having more serious signs of storm anxiety, Cardoni suggests using some calming techniques like five-finger breathing, belly breathing and progressive muscle relaxation.

Consider your media consumption

Finally, we live in a digital world where media is all around us. And while I have spent most of my career on the news and recognize the value of that type of intense minute-by-minute coverage, having it on with young children in the room may not be as beneficial.

“Children are so observant and feed off the energy and fear we put out there,” Hunter said. “It is best to avoid news coverage for children around 8 or younger that can create more anxiety for them as they are not able to understand the context of where a storm is or if they are in danger or not.”

But for older children, Hunter suggests having them watch it with you as a learning tool.

“For older kids it is important to watch all coverage together so that you are able to interpret what they see and help educate them,” she said.

And remember, it’s not all doom and gloom – learning about the weather can be fun! If you or your child have any questions about weather and how forecasting works, or if you think talking about it could help, I am always happy to answer questions and can be reached at: KirstenLangMedia@gmail.com

Kirsten Lang has been a meteorologist in Tulsa for nearly a decade. She is a mother of three and a STEAM enthusiast, working as an outreach coordinator for a local non-profit to get more science resources and funding into Oklahoma’s public schools.