Due to the pandemic, our lives have changed dramatically and that of children as well.
And when we are faced with the possibility of a hurricane hitting us, the fundamental question is how to keep the mental health of our children safe in the face of a new stage of uncertainty?
According to specialists, the first advice is as simple as leading by example.
“If my mother is calm, I will be calm … If my mother is afraid of hurricanes, I will be afraid of hurricanes,” explains psychiatrist Katherine San Juan.
As parents, taking care of non-verbal or body language is extremely important, because without words, but with actions we can also convey concern.
“He does not explain to the children what is happening, but they perceive that something has changed in the family environment … something so terrible is happening in my house that not even they can tell me,” says San Juan.
It is very important to keep the routine as normal as possible even when we are under alert for a cyclonic event. Keeping children busy is also essential, as it keeps them out of distress and anxiety.
Finally, it is advisable to share free time as a family and develop an action plan together. In this way, we will convey to our children that with good planning, we will be prepared and safe to face this new hurricane season.
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