07/03/2025
My Mum sent this through to me this evening. Like a lot of people tonight, although we’re prepared, I am feeling a bit anxious about the next 24 hours, and particularly about protecting my girls from being scared.
Thank you for the tips Councillor Lucy Collier
It may not be typical for the start of the working week, but I am looking forward to being back at work on Monday and to feeling safe again in our beautiful Brisbane
To my fellow parents and carers ❤️
With the cyclone coming our way, I know it can be a bit overwhelming.
At the moment I'm 8 months pregnant and have my beautiful nearly 3-year-old Maisy to think about, so I've been doing everything I can to keep her (and myself) calm.
Here are some tips that people have shared with me that I have found really helpful:
🧘🏼♀️Stay Calm & Lead by Example
Children are so tuned in to our emotions, so staying calm helps them feel secure. Remind yourself that you've prepared and are keeping them safe.
🗣️Talk to Them Simply & Honestly
Explain the situation in a way they can understand: "A big storm is coming, but we're safe at home and we've got a plan." Keep it honest, but reassuring.
❤️Acknowledge Their Feelings
It's okay if your kids are nervous (let's face it, most of us parents are too). Let them know it's completely normal to feel scared and validate their emotions.
🧸Comfort Them with Familiar Things
Having their favourite toy or blanket nearby can bring so much comfort when things feel uncertain.
🍲Keep a Routine
Try to stick to mealtimes and bedtime as closely as you can. It gives them something familiar and consistent to hold onto when everything else feels a bit out of control.
🎒Involve Them in the Preparation
Giving them small tasks, like helping pack an emergency bag or making your shelter space safe and comfortable.
😌Practice Calming Techniques
If they're feeling anxious, practice deep breathing together, I use the ‘blow out the candle’ technique. Reassure them that we've got this, and remind them that we're all in it together.
🎧Protect Their Ears from the Noise
Friends who have experienced cyclones before have told me that the noise is one of the most overwhelming parts. Wearing noise cancelling headphones or ear protection to muffle the noise might be a really good way to help them feel less scared during the loudest parts of the storm.
🐦Birdie and the Cyclone
Also, if you're looking for a way to explain the storm to little ones, Birdie and the Cyclone is a fantastic storybook. It helps young children understand what happens during a cyclone and can be really comforting for them. There is a free online version available on the Birdie's Tree website.
