10 Tips to Help Kids Cope During and After Hurricanes
*This Article is originally from the Ask Auntie Angie blog. Posted with permission.
Calming the Storm
I was four years old when Hurricane Andrew pummeled my home in the Bahamas in 1992, and I'll never forget it. My 2-year-old brother and I were huddled in my grandparent's house with the neighbors as the Category 5 winds roared outside. The sound of that wind was something I'll never shake—like a train barreling down on us. It rattled the walls, and everything felt so uncertain. I remember looking at the adults, hoping their faces would tell me everything was going to be okay.
Experiencing Hurricane Andrew was one of my earliest memories of fearing something I didn't understand. Hurricanes are loud, unpredictable, and, for a little kid, downright terrifying. But in those moments, what helped me feel safe was the calmness of the grown-ups around me. They didn't panic, even though I know now that they must have been worried too. They explained things to me in ways I could understand, which helped me feel secure.
Fast-forward to today, and we've seen the devastating effects of Hurricanes Helene and Milton this year, which have uprooted the lives of thousands of people. If your family has been impacted by these storms—or even if your child is just hearing about them on the news—you might be wondering, "How do I talk to my child about something like this?"
So, let's dive into some tips that can help you guide those conversations with honesty and compassion, especially when you want to reassure your little ones.
1. Be Honest, But Keep It Age-Appropriate
When kids ask tough questions about hurricanes, it's essential to be truthful but in a way they can understand. Older kids might want more details about how hurricanes form or what's happening around the world. Just remember, clarity is key—keeping it simple prevents more confusion or anxiety. "We’re packing things up and staying inside because it’s the best way to be ready for the storm. It’s like getting ready for an adventure, but indoors, where we’re safe."
Here’s what you can say:
Before/During
"A hurricane is a really big storm that brings strong winds and rain, but we've got a plan to keep everyone safe. We'll stay inside where it's safe, and it will pass soon."
After
“Some things might be different for a while, like not having electricity or water, but we’ll make it through. Grown-ups are working to fix things, and we’re going to be okay."
2. Acknowledge Their Feelings
As a kid during Hurricane Andrew, just hearing the adults say, "It's okay to be scared," made me feel like my feelings mattered. If your child says they're scared or worried, let them know it's perfectly normal. Validating their feelings helps them process their emotions better.
Here’s what you can say:
Before/During
"I understand why you're feeling this way. It's a big storm, but we're here together and doing everything we can to stay safe."
After
"I know you’re feeling scared or sad right now, and that’s completely normal. It’s okay to be upset after something like this, and I’m here to listen whenever you want to talk about how you’re feeling."
(Source: Child Mind Institute)
3. Reassure Them About Their Safety
Children need to hear that the grown-ups are looking out for them. Let them know you have a plan to keep everyone safe. Talk about the steps you're taking to prepare for the hurricane, like gathering supplies or staying inside, and why these steps are important. This makes them feel more secure.
Here’s what you can say:
Before/During
"I know it sounds noisy outside, but our house is built to keep us safe, and we've got everything we need. The grown-ups are watching the storm closely to make sure we're protected."
After
"The storm is over now, and we’re in a safe place. We have everything we need to stay safe. Even if things look a little different outside, the worst part is behind us, and we’re okay."
(Source: National Child Traumatic Stress Network)
4. Use Visual Aids to Explain
Hurricanes can be challenging for little ones to grasp. Visual aids like simple diagrams or age-appropriate videos can help explain how hurricanes form and what they do. Sometimes, just seeing something makes it less scary. For older kids, showing them the storm's path on a map can help them understand where it's headed and that your area may be safe.
Here’s what you can say:
Before/During
"Let me show you a picture of how hurricanes form. See these clouds spinning? That's what's happening far away in the sky, but right now, we're in a safe place."
After
"Let’s see how the hurricane looks now. See how it’s farther away and gotten smaller? It can be really powerful, but now that it’s gone, we can work together to clean up and fix things."
(Source: Developmental Psychology Research)
5. Limit Their Exposure to Media
If there's one thing that can make kids more anxious, it's nonstop news coverage. Studies show that too much exposure to disaster media can heighten a child's anxiety. Be mindful of how much news they watch and limit it, especially for younger kids. Keep conversations about scary details to a minimum when they're around.
Here’s what you can say:
Before/During
"Let's take a break from watching the news. How about we play a game or read a book? We'll stay updated, but too much can make things feel scarier than they are."
After
"The news can sometimes make things seem scarier than they are, so we’re going to take a break from watching it. Instead, let’s build an obstacle course with these couch cousins!”
(Source: American Psychological Association)
6. Give Them a Role
Kids feel empowered when they can help. When I was little, I remember being told to help pack snacks or grab blankets. It made me feel useful. You can involve your child in small tasks, like helping pack an emergency kit or finding flashlights. These little actions give them a sense of control and make the experience less overwhelming.
Here’s what you can say:
Before/During
"Can you help me pack the emergency kit? You're great at finding the things we'll need, like snacks and flashlights. It's important work, and it makes a big difference."
After
"You can help us by picking up your toys or helping me sort through some things. It’s a big help when we all work together, and you’re really good at organizing! We’re making things better, bit by bit."
(Source: Journal of Family Psychology)
7. Answer Their Questions Honestly
Kids are curious, and that's a good thing! Answer their questions openly but keep them age-appropriate. If you don't know the answer, be honest and try to find the answers together. This helps them feel like they're part of the solution, not just spectators of a scary event.
Here’s what you can say:
Before/During
"I'm not sure, but let's find out together." Or if/when you have the answer, "That's a great question! Hurricanes happen when warm air and cool air mix together. Sometimes they can be strong, but the good news is we have ways to stay safe, like staying inside and preparing."
After
"I know you have lots of questions, like when the power will come back or if the school will reopen soon. I don’t have all the answers, but I do know that people are working hard to fix things, and it will take some time. I will tell you when I have more information."
(Source: Harvard Graduate School of Education)
8. Model Calmness
As kids, we look to the adults in our lives to see how we should feel. If they see us staying calm, they're more likely to do the same. During Hurricane Andrew, the quiet reassurance of the adults made a massive difference for me. If you stay level-headed, your child will take cues from you and feel safer.
Here’s what you can say:
Before/During
"I'm staying calm because I know we're prepared. You're safe with me, and I'm here to care for you. We'll get through this together, just like we always do."
After
"This feels overwhelming, even for me, but I’m staying calm because we have a plan. There are lots of people working to help, and we’re safe. I’m here to take care of you, and even though it’s tough, I know we’ll be okay."
(Source: Journal of Child and Family Studies)
9. Focus on Preparedness, Not Panic
You want your child to understand that being prepared doesn't mean there's something to fear. Explain the steps you're taking to keep the family safe, but frame them as positive, responsible actions, not as a reaction to something bad happening. This way, preparedness feels empowering, not scary.
Here’s what you can say:
Before/During
"We're packing things up and staying inside because it's the best way to be ready for the storm. It's like getting ready for an adventure, but indoors, where we're safe."
After
"It feels a little different without power or water, but we’ve prepared for this by having supplies and making sure we’re ready. Now, we’ll just focus on using what we have until things get back to normal."
(Source: FEMA)
10. Maintain Routine Where Possible
Life can feel chaotic during hurricanes, but keeping a routine can help children feel more grounded. Whether it's keeping meal times the same or sticking to a bedtime routine, small consistency can give kids a sense of normalcy, even when everything outside feels unpredictable.
Here’s what you can say:
Before/During
"Let's stick to our usual bedtime, even though the weather is different outside. Having a good night's sleep helps us feel better and ready for tomorrow."
After
"Even though things are a bit different right now, we’ll still have our bedtime routine, like brushing our teeth and reading a story. Sticking to the things we usually do helps us feel more normal, even when the world feels a little upside down."
(Source: American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry)
As we continue to hear about the devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, remember that your kids are looking to you for comfort and clarity. These conversations are hard, but they can also be opportunities to teach your children resilience and how to handle tough situations with calm and compassion. And hey, if they ask questions that stump you, know it's okay not to have all the answers. And always remember, we can talk about hard things.
Auntie Angie is the author of "What Happened To Zoey? A Book About Grief for Kids" and the voice behind the Ask Auntie Angie blog. With a background as a teacher, children's non-profit founder, auntie, and mom, she helps parents and caregivers navigate tough conversations with children. Auntie Angie offers honest, empathetic advice on topics like grief, family dynamics, and big emotions—always with warmth, humor, and a judgment-free approach. Through storytelling and compassionate guidance, she reminds us that no question is too hard when it comes from a place of love.