Natural disasters can be scary for kids but these 5 ways to entertain kids during a natural disaster will help ease your kid’s fears.
Being prepared when a major storm or natural disaster hits is essential when children are involved. Living in Florida we get days where the thunderstorms are severe but we also need to be prepared for hurricanes. Facing a natural disaster can be scary for kids, a change from their normal routine. We should do our best to keep them calm so they don’t worry. Creating a natural disaster preparedness kit can help when a natural disaster strikes. One of the most important things to have is a variety of Duracell batteries to power your devices and make the experience fun with games and activities. Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. Post contains affiliate links.
5 Ways to Entertain Kids During a Natural Disaster
1. Creative outlet – coloring bookings, drawing, writing
Giving kids their favorite cartoon character or even an animal coloring book will help keep their mind occupied. Providing crayons, markers, or paint will entertain them. Maybe suggesting they color something for grandma or grandpa will help them want to do it more if there is some resistance. If they prefer to draw providing some plain drawing paper will keep them busy. Maybe have them draw their favorite destination or their favorite cartoon character. They could even create their own comic.
2. Challenge the mind – puzzles, Lego sets, kid-friendly electronics devices
My daughter is finally getting into puzzles, simple puzzles as she is only two years old. It keeps her entertained for quite some time but I love it since it helps her solve a problem. My son and I love sitting down at the dining table to solve a puzzle. Great way for the family to bond. LEGO sets are another way to keep the kids busy and away from thinking about the storm. LEGOs are great because they can build anything their imagination comes up with. The Leapfrog LeapPad is also a great electronic device that requires batteries but provides endless amounts of fun from games, storybooks, and drawing. Make sure you have plenty of Duracell batteries for this!
3. Play – Hot Wheels, board games
Kids always love to play. Having their favorite activities available to them during a storm can help ease their fears. My son loves collecting Hot Wheels cars and you will usually find him driving them all over the house! Board games are a fun way to keep kids engaged. My family plays the Memory game at least once a week. Great way for the family bond whether it is during a natural disaster or just a typical day.
4. Entertainment – music, audiobooks
Having a boom box that uses batteries is always great to have during a storm or natural disaster. Make sure to have enough Duracell batteries to last awhile as you don’t know how long the storm may be around. A boom box that has a CD player would be ideal so kids can listen to audio books, CD’s, or the radio. Listening to a storybook or hearing sing-along songs will give them some much-needed entertainment.
5. Comfort – baby dolls, blankets
Sometimes kids need something to give them comfort during times of disaster. My daughter loves holding her baby dolls and taking care of them which help her from thinking of the storm. She’ll say, “OK baby OK”. So cute! My son is always with his favorite blanket. The blanket gives him comfort and makes him feel safe. Does your child have a favorite lovey?
Activities and games are great to have for kids but healthy snacks and water should be available as well. Flashlights with Duracell batteries (and extras just in case) or even lanterns to give you light as needed. These are all essential items that should be kept in a safe place for quick access when disaster hits. I keep my items in a clear plastic bin so I can quickly get to it. Duracell batteries can be found at your local Walmart stores. They have all the sizes you need for any of your devices. Remember to #PrepWithPower when nature strikes!
How do you prepare for hurricane season?
Great ideas! I always keep a box packed with goodies for the kids just in case of disasters!
How much cuter are your kids going to get?
Thank you! They are my babies!
Your kids are too cute! Thanks for these great ideas! I want to add a new LeapFrog game and LeapReader book to my kit to give the kids something new for our summer storms and power outages. #client