Wild Weather Planning with Children & Young People
As Queenslanders, many of us are experienced in preparing for, surviving and recovering from severe and wild weather events. Our children are often less experienced in navigating these challenges and they can experience fear, anxiety and increased dysregulation during such events. To provide some additional support, especially for our child clients, we’ve prepared a brief document to psychologically assist individuals and families in navigating the next few days and weeks as our communities experience the intensity of cyclonic weather. Please also find a list of emergency and crisis support lines that may assist you at any time prior to, during or after the weather event.
Preparing
· Explain in simple terms what wild weather and cyclones are. Consider drawings and images or using the book “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#
· Discuss how lots of adults are taking action to protect what is precious (like children!) Weather helpers like firefighters & weather scientists are working hard to protect us.
· Engage children (as age appropriate) in seeing and knowing that you have the resources you need to meet basic needs (water, food, torches, blankets).
· Consider how and if possible that you will keep some routines throughout the weather event.
· Consider comfort items and comfort corners with
o Soft blankets and pillows
o Stuffed animals
o Books to read
o Colouring supplies
o Preferred sensory soothers
o Headphones to listen to calm music
· Consider boundaries for children around how much news they will hear and see of the wild weather.
Surviving the weather
· When the weather intensifies - provide acknowledgment of any feelings that intensify with it. Big weather outside can create big emotional weather for everyone!
· Talk about how the weather will pass – nothing lasts forever.
· Point towards the safety you created before the weather came.
· Provide safe and comforting touch such as hugs, squeezes and rocking as enjoyed by the child.
· Provide comforting messages with words like ‘I’m here’ and ‘We will get through this together’.
· Prioritise and practice adult self-regulation skills. Model these skills to children.
Recovering
· Once the weather event has passed, acknowledge that it is over.
· Acknowledge the damage children see and hear about eg. Trees down, flooding.
· Talk about children’s thoughts and feelings on witnessing any damage and loss in their community.
· Notice how people have and are caring for each other, pets and the environment so far.
· Attempt to maintain some routines as possible.
Regeneration
· Even once the weather has passed and we have recovered, children can continue to learn and reflect on wild weather events. Talk together about the challenges, special moments, knowledge, skills and strategies your family and community used to survive the weather event.
· Consider supporting children to use drawing or crafting to express their thoughts and feelings about the weather event. Consider story books and children’s shows about nature and recovery.
· Look out for and notice out loud the ways that your community is regenerating.
· Talk about the cycle of life and that nature finds a way to grow again even when it has been through intense and challenging events.
· Feel free to reach out to Evolve Wellbeing Psychology for specific support tailored to your children and family needs.
Information on Phone Hotlines and Community Care:
If you need help during a weather crisis in Queensland, you can call the State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500
https://www.getready.qld.gov.au/emergency-services-resources
https://www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies
https://parentline.com.au/
Author:
This article was written by Phillipa Joy, Psychotherapist at Evolve Wellbeing Psychology
