10 Tips for Talking to Kids About Natural Disasters

This year, it’s been a pretty damaging Hurricane season here in the USA. While it’s been hard for us as adults to grapple with the scope of so much destruction and loss of life, it’s even harder for children to cope with. All natural disasters can be daunting for adults and children, and while it's essential to inform kids about these events, it's equally important to reassure them. By communicating effectively, we can help children understand natural events without feeling overwhelmed or being afraid to go out into nature.

Here are some tips to help you approach these sensitive conversations.

1. Start with Reassurance and Understanding

Begin by acknowledging that natural disasters can be frightening. Let your child know it’s okay to feel worried or confused—these are natural reactions. Tell them that their feelings are valid, and assure them that they’re safe. Reassuring them that there are people, like their parents, teachers, and emergency responders, working hard to keep everyone protected can go a long way in calming their fears.

2. Keep Explanations Simple and Age-Appropriate

Children process information differently depending on their age. Tailor your explanations to their level of understanding and avoid going into too many scary details.

For younger children (ages 4-7), you might say, “A natural disaster is when the earth or weather changes in a way that can be dangerous. Sometimes there are big storms or shaking, but people work hard to keep everyone safe.” Older children (ages 8-12) can handle a bit more information and may even want to know about safety procedures and how they can help.

3. Reassure Them About Safety Plans

Kids feel more secure when they know there are plans in place to keep them safe. Explain the safety measures your family or community has prepared, whether it’s an evacuation plan, emergency kit, or just a familiar procedure you all follow. This can give them a sense of control and reassurance.

You could say, “Just like how we practice fire drills, we can also practice being safe in other ways. It’s like having a plan for a rainy day—just in case.”

4. Limit Exposure to News Media

Continuous news coverage of natural disasters can make kids feel like these events are happening all the time. Limit their exposure to news, and if they do see coverage, stay nearby to answer questions and offer reassurance. Explain that even though they see people responding to disasters, it doesn’t mean that one is happening nearby.

If they overhear something troubling, acknowledge it briefly, answer any questions they have, and redirect their focus to reassuring information.

5. Listen to Their Feelings and Validate Them

 Give your child the chance to express their thoughts and emotions. It’s natural for them to feel scared, sad, or even angry, and acknowledging these feelings can be incredibly comforting.

You might say, “It’s okay to feel a little scared or sad. I feel that way too sometimes. We can talk about it together.”

6. Focus on Helpers and Safety Measures

Highlight the efforts of those who help during these times—like emergency responders, doctors, and community volunteers. Sharing examples of how people come together can give children a sense of security and community.

You can say, “When something like this happens, there are always people who come to help. Doctors, firefighters, and neighbors work together to keep everyone safe.”

7. Explain Preparedness, Not Panic

If your child asks questions about what to do in a disaster, explain that being prepared is like having a “just in case” plan. This can involve showing them a family emergency kit, discussing simple safety steps, and practicing drills in a calm way.

You could say, “Just like how we practice fire drills, we can also practice being safe in other ways. It’s like having a plan for a rainy day—just in case.”

8. Encourage Questions and Open Conversations

Let your child know that it’s okay to ask questions or share their feelings anytime. An open dialogue gives them space to process what they hear and see and helps them feel supported. 

You might say, “If you ever have questions about things like storms or earthquakes, you can always ask me, and we’ll talk about it together.”

9. Share Stories of Resilience

Stories of resilience—where people or communities have come together, rebuilt, or found strength—can help children feel hopeful. Sharing these stories can empower them and remind them that challenges can be overcome.

For example, you could say, “There are people who have gone through storms and have worked together to build new homes and parks.

10. End on a Positive Note

Wrap up conversations about natural disasters with something positive. Emphasize that even though these events happen, everyone is working together to stay safe. Remind your child of all the things you and your family are doing to be prepared and how there are many helpers out there ready to keep people safe.

Talking to children about natural disasters can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be scary. Keep it reassuring, not fearful. If your child is still seems afraid to go outside, I have a list of nature apps that will make going outside fun and adventurous. Going with them and doing things that interest them can go a long way toward alleviating fear of the outdoors, and by approaching the topic with honesty, simplicity, and reassurance, we can help children feel more informed and empowered, while fostering a sense of safety and preparedness.