07/03/2025
Helping kids cope with the imminent cyclone involves providing a lot of support, modelling, practical preparedness, and using clear communication.
The following suggestions may help you in supporting your family, although as always this doesn’t apply to all situations so use your best judgement.
Provide Clear, Reassuring Information,
- Use age-appropriate language to explain what a cyclone is and what will happen.
- Some good information for kids is available through Behind the News (https://www.abc.net.au/btn/classroom/cyclones-explained/10925372 or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMJm4CcIfv8)
- Reassure the kids that the adults are prepared to keep them safe,
- Encourage questions and address their concerns honestly without alarming them.
Involve them in preparation
- Give them small responsibilities, like gathering and setting up items such as their favourite toy, a torch or lantern and snacks where they can be easily found, or charging their devices.
- Work together to create a family emergency plan, including evacuation routes.
- Step them through what will happen so they can feel more in control.
Keep their routines as normal as possible
- Maintain regular mealtimes, bedtime, and activities to provide a sense of security.
- If you end up having to leave or become displaced, try to create a safe space with familiar objects.
Help them with their emotions and anxiety
- Acknowledge their feelings and let them express fear or worry through talking, drawing, or play. Validate these feelings, by stating that it’s okay feeling nervous or stressed.
- Given them words to describe what they might be feeling, for example “you look worried…” or “are you not feeling okay?...”
- Model calm behaviours as children take cues from adults.
- Try to ensure that they can participate in some sensory-based regulating activities which might include using fidgets, sensory play, bouncing a ball, Twister, a dance party, yoga, making and using slime, or muscle resistance)
- Touch base with your support people so that you can effectively manage your own emotions, to better help them with theirs.
Provide distractions and comfort
- Prepare books, toys, games, or music to keep them occupied.
- Give extra physical affection like hugs and cuddles.
- If using devices, ensure that children have downloaded some content that can be used offline (in the event of power or signal outages).
- Reduce the amount of televised coverage (if it is appropriate to do so).
After the storm
- Discuss what happened and let them express their emotions.
- Watch for signs of distress, such as nightmares, clinginess, or changes in physical routines, such as changes in appetite or sleep and settling.
- Reassure them about recovery efforts and involve them in positive actions, like helping clean up (where it is safe to do so).
Send a message to learn more
