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Disasters
Dana Farrington, NPR

Tips: How to talk to kids about tornadoes

A dog stands in a street surrounded by the aftermath of a tornado
A dog stands in a street surrounded by the aftermath of a tornado in Dawson Springs, Ky., on Sunday.
Michael Clubb | AP

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The violence associated with tornadoes can be particularly difficult for children to process. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network has a guide for helping families before, during and after a tornado.

To start, the network notes: "Being prepared beforehand is the best way to help children and family members recover after a tornado."

That includes having an emergency supply kit, a plan to shelter in place, and a strategy for how members should communicate in the event of storm. Plus, parents and caregivers may want to have some factual information to share with children about how tornadoes work and what to expect.

During a tornado, parents and caregivers can:

  • Model calm behavior.

  • Provide simple but accurate information in a quiet, steady voice.

  • Encourage comforting or distracting activities.

  • Practice their own self-care.

After the fact, modeling how to handle such a stressful situation remains key. Plus:

  • Provide accurate information to children about what happened during the storm as well as what changes the family is facing. Answer questions honestly but with the amount of detail appropriate to their developmental level.

  • Keep family routines as regular as possible, even in the early recovery phase.

  • Monitor the media and social media information children are viewing and set limits if children are overly focused on viewing this content.

  • Seek additional help for themselves or their children if behavioral changes or reactions worsen or if they persist over six weeks after the hurricane.

See the full guide for talking to kids about tornadoes and other natural disasters here.

Of course, anyone can feel distressed by such a storm. FEMA is sharing how you can contact a counselor 24/7.