04/03/2025
Some wise words from Maggie Dent... Stay safe everyone 🌈
I have just sent this message to my newsletter community but I thought I should also share it here...
I just wanted to drop a line to those of you in my community who are currently watching Cyclone Alfred and wondering if/when you might be impacted.
We're watching the weather closely ourselves because, as you may be aware, I am due to head north tomorrow for some events with Dr Vanessa Lapointe(who I believe has just landed in Brissy from Canada as I write). If you've booked a ticket to our event on the Sunshine Coast, we'll certainly keep you updated via email later this week to let you know if we're going to be able to proceed safely or not. It'll be the same for those of you who may have booked tickets to the SEEN The Film events happening on Gold Coast and Brisbane and my event in Brisbane next week. Stay tuned for updates from them too.
Either way, I know that this is a really stressful time for people, especially those of you who have been impacted by cyclones and/or floods in the past. Even when we're not directly impacted, we can all have an emotional/anxious response to natural disasters.
So, my top 5 tips for you right now are:
💜 turn off the news (especially in earshot of your kids)
💜 instead, choose a few official pages/channels/apps from government/emergency services agencies, from which to get your key information about the cyclone.
💜 Being prepared can help us feel less anxious. Take practical steps to make sure you and your home are as prepared as you can be (there is lots of information out there from SES and government to support you in getting ready).
💜 Check on any vulnerable neighbours if you can and help them prepare (and maybe get the kids involved). Kindness to others can take our minds off our own stress.
💜 Above all, please try not to get too absorbed in social media because as well as being a great source of local info, it can feed a feeling of anxiety and emotional contagion.
As well as being prepared, you can draw from some great resources to support you in keeping your children calm.
RESOURCES
Children's Health Qld has a picture book I shared earlier today, which you can download as an ebook or audiobook called 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
They also have a host of other resources about supporting kids through natural disasters and to help you know how to talk to your kids about the weather and getting prepared. Check those out here -- even if you're in Northern NSW these will be relevant: https://www.childrens.health.qld.gov.au/our-work/birdies-tree-natural-disaster-recovery/birdies-tree-natural-disaster-resilience-resources
🎧 SOME FREE AUDIO TRACKS THAT MIGHT HELP
It's important to take some time out to try to regulate your nervous system. I have some free guided audio tracks that may help support your kids (and you) to do just that.
https://www.maggiedent.com/blog/post-type/audio
SOOTHING YOUR NERVOUS SYSTEMS
Back in the height of the pandemic, I created a series of videos that offer lots of breathing and physical movements, tapping points and simple tips for helping you to calm yourself and your kids when anxiety sets in.
I know lots of people since then have told me they still find these useful. Check out the whole playlist on YouTube, Maggie's Soothers for Anxious Times here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqHVXsJtte08epj4OYpsUuews2kzyxmbr
I hope that you find these resources somewhat helpful.
Sending you much love, strength and a big double rainbow!
Much love,
Maggie
