04/03/2025
Helping kids feel safe and prepared for the probable cyclone is part of the preparation. Kids are hearing a lot about it at school and from adults in the community, so it is natural for them to feel concerned and have questions.
Honest, simple, calm answers will help kids feel reassured. Giving anxious children a role to play in preparations each day also helps, for example, chief water bottle filler, games captain, torch monitor, artwork creator for the wall of your shelter room, family librarian….as well as helping to put away items outside.
You might like to read the Birdie books for younger children:
Birdie and the cyclone: https://www.childrens.health.qld.gov.au/our-work/birdies-tree-natural-disaster-recovery/birdies-tree-storybooks/birdie-and-the-cyclone
Birdie and the flood: https://www.childrens.health.qld.gov.au/our-work/birdies-tree-natural-disaster-recovery/birdies-tree-storybooks/birdie-and-the-flood
Birdie and the shelter: https://www.childrens.health.qld.gov.au/our-work/birdies-tree-natural-disaster-recovery/birdies-tree-storybooks/birdie-and-the-shelter
We are also sharing some great advice from ConnectED.
🌪️ Helping kids feel safe and prepared for the (probable) wild weather coming 🌪️
For many Brisbane families, the idea of a cyclone hitting our city feels almost unimaginable. Yet, with weather experts predicting that a probable cyclone could make its way to our region in the coming days, it’s natural for children to have questions and concerns. As parents, our role isn’t just to prepare our homes—it’s to help our kids feel safe, secure, and ready for whatever may come.
1️⃣ Keep Calm and Reassuring
Children take their cues from the adults around them. If they see you stressed or panicking, they’re likely to feel the same. Keep your tone calm and reassuring when discussing the situation.
🗣️ You might say something like:
👉 “There’s a big storm coming, and we’re getting ready so we can be safe. Grown-ups know what to do, and we’re all going to be okay.”
This lets them know that while the event is unusual, it is manageable.
2️⃣ Answer Their Questions Honestly (But Gently)
Kids will likely have questions—some big, some small. Try to answer them honestly while keeping your responses age-appropriate. Avoid overwhelming them with too much detail.
❓ If they ask: “Will our house blow away?”
💬 You can say: “No, our house is very strong. Storms like this can be big, but we have ways to stay safe.”
Encourage them to talk about any fears they have, validate their feelings, and offer reassurance.
3️⃣ Involve Them in Simple Preparations
Giving kids an active role in getting ready can help them feel more in control and less anxious. Depending on their age, they might:
✅ Pack their own ‘storm bag’ with comfort items like a favourite toy, book, or special blanket.
✅ Help check the torch batteries.
✅ Make a list of fun things to do if the power goes out (board games, storytelling, or even a ‘camping night’ indoors).
✅ Help gather supplies by turning it into a ‘storm treasure hunt’ rather than a stressful task.
4️⃣ Create a ‘Safe and Cozy’ Plan
Instead of framing this as a scary event, reframe it as a cozy adventure.
🛑 Let your child know that if the weather gets rough, you’ll all have a safe space inside together—maybe a special ‘storm fort’ with pillows, blankets, and snacks.
This turns a potentially scary time into a reassuring and even fun experience.
5️⃣ Keep a Routine (As Much as Possible)
Uncertainty can be unsettling for kids, so keeping a predictable routine—even in small ways—can provide comfort.
🕰️ Stick to normal mealtimes, bedtime routines, and family rituals.
🏡 If school or activities are cancelled, plan a simple daily schedule with indoor activities to keep them engaged.
6️⃣ Model Healthy Coping Strategies
If your child sees you managing stress in a healthy way, they’ll learn to do the same.
💆 Take deep breaths, listen to music, or do a short relaxation exercise together if you’re feeling anxious.
🎨 Encourage them to express their feelings through drawing, writing, or talking.
7️⃣ Stay Connected and Check In Afterward
Even after the storm has passed, kids might still have lingering fears or concerns.
🗣️ Check in with them about how they’re feeling and offer lots of comfort and reassurance.
🤗 If they seem particularly unsettled, extra cuddles, bedtime stories, and talking about their feelings can help them process the experience.
💛 Hopefully, the impact is minimal for you, your families, and your community. Stay safe!
