Fern Michonski / Fern’s Music
Pre-School Music Education Expert: The Children’s Advocate for Love and Kindness, Inspiring Creativity and Joy.
October 29, 2012—Hurricane Sandy 
I am writing my blog two days early because of Hurricane Sandy. A monstrous storm is swirling up the eastern seaboard, bringing with it the possibility of major devastation. I have heeded the Weather Channel’s advice and prepared as much as possible for the storm. All of the usual things have been mentioned such as water, flashlights, gas, batteries, blankets, canned food, etc. We all know that. My thoughts are with the children. What about them? Certainly all parents will be taking very close care of their children, doing their best to keep them out of harm’s way. More specifically, I am thinking of the children’s emotional needs during this very stressful time.
Children absorb their parents’ feelings and reactions to things. Naturally parents are concerned and worried. Their fears are based on the facts they are hearing from our weather professionals. Children’s fears are based not only on parent’s reactions, but also on their imaginations. They really don’t understand the dynamics of a hurricane. They only see worried parents scurrying about with preparations and then they start to worry. They start to imagine what this “monster” storm is. They might even hear adults talking about the upcoming “Frankenstorm”. How terrifying does that sound?
Therefore, my suggestion to all of you out there with little children who are in the path of this historic storm, take the time to talk with your children and listen to their fears. Show them your disaster kit, include them in your plans for dealing with the high winds, show them where you might go within your home during the high winds, and show them the special spot where you have gathered all the flashlights. Children’s biggest fear might be that of being left alone. Reassure them that you are there with them. Ask them how they are feeling. Tell them how you feel and try to bring some fun into this unpleasant experience if possible with games, stories or singing together. Offer crayons and paper to draw pictures of their feelings. That will pass the time and help them get through this event without emotional scars.
If your child, even after the storm, demonstrates stress reactions such as wetting their pants, dreams and sudden excessive fear of various things, be patient. It takes time to settle down after a very upsetting experience.
I wish everyone the best. Be safe, and hopefully next week we will have power back so I can write another blog. Take care.