While being scared of thunderstorms and tornadoes isn't something just for kids, it's something that could set back entire families. Less-severe cases can be helped with some positive reinforcement and a simple change by you and me.
For more than twenty years, I've been asked the same question over and over:
"What should I do about my child who is terrified of storms?"
First and foremost, as young as possible, make sure you are not reacting to storms yourself. A lot of times, children will sense our nervousness. If big thunder-booms cause us to have a reaction, our kids (and even pets) will as well.
Rushing to the windows when the sky turns black causes those around us to feel uneasy because of actions that aren't typical.
Instead, we all should remain calm and think about that plan of action before severe weather moves in.
During ordinary non-severe storms, try using positive reinforcement, like "that was a good one!" when lightning strikes close. Talk about how "storms are cool!"
Another thing I like to tell children? We wouldn't have green grass without lightning. You see, lightning heats up the nitrogen in the air so it falls to the ground, offering any plants some fertilizer! (It's also one of the reasons we still have brown grass right now in the beginning of March. Once we get some thunderstorms, the grass will really green-up.
When you're making your severe weather plan, consider bringing your children into the decision-making process. It may sound counterintuitive, but if they have a say in how their safe area looks, they will be happier in a very stressful time.
On the day before or the day of, allow kids to make a "blanket fort" in the basement or in your safe room. And in that instance where Meteorologists tell you to go to your safe place, it's time for the adults to explore the kid-space.
You'll find that kids will be more excited to have an adult in their space than the dangerous storms outside.
And while I'm not a psychologist, know that there are people with more ideas on how to qualm the fears of children. A phone call to your family practitioner would be a good start as well.
-Meteorologist Eric Sorensen