Storm prep with kids: Because everything is more complicated with kids, right?
So its Sept 2018 and North Carolina is looking ahead to a likely catastrophic disaster named Hurricane Florence. I’ve done all the typical storm prep: the cars have gas and we have water and non-perishables. So now we just wait. Which is causing me some anxiety, not to mention my children who don’t really understand what’s going on. So here are some things I am using to help calm nerves of little ones.
We’re planning a hurricane party. Which is not as interesting as it sounds. Basically it means that we can eat the ice cream in the freezer if (when) the power goes out. We are also having a movie night Thursday night in anticipation of not having power through the weekend. A fun night of a movie and popcorn is a great distraction.
My go to source to assist in teaching my children about all things scary (potty training, going to the doctor, storm prep) is Daniel Tiger. I really admire the Tiger parents and how they handle things. I may or may not have taken notes during a few episodes. Daniel tiger has an awesome episode about storms, which is included with Amazon prime. Episode 4, Season 6. It also talks about after storm clean up.
The kids have already asked me if we can have an indoor picnic, just like you will see on this episode. So I have a picnic blanket ready.
“Take a grown up’s hand, follow the plan and you’ll be safe”
Another Daniel tiger option: “Stormy night” included with Prime – Season 2 Episode 9. This episode also includes “Daniel gets a shot” which we’ve watched prior to going to a doctor’s appointment.
Want a book version? Super handy if the power goes out. I may include a couple of my books in my storm kit. Which I don’t have but Hurricane Florence has me thinking I need one. Also, I need a mountain of art supplies. Because we have gone through A LOT.
Have Netfilx? The new Magic School Bus Rides again series (Season 1, episode 2) is all about wind – “Pigs in the wind”
Magic School Bus Rides Again, Season 2 episode 8 “Send in the Clouds” is all about rain. I can’t find the book version to this one, it may not be out yet.
I also like this short Peppa pig episode about thunderstorms on You tube as well.
You tube also has “hurricane information for kids” options, but I found them too old for my children – too much information about destruction and death. I want my kids to be informed on their level, but don’t want to scare them more than needed.
Using cartoons and books can really calm nerves and open the lines of communication in a fun, non threatening way. I forsee us watching this another time or two before Hurricane Florence comes for most unwelcome visit. And stocking my disaster kit with books and art supplies for next time bad weather comes our way.
What does your storm prep with kids look like?