Talking to your kids about the tornado

We spoke with a counselor from Oak Lawn about tips for talking to your kids about these events.

She says to keep answers simple and not to answer questions your kids don’t ask.

Minimizing a child's exposure to the images and news of the tornado is also a good idea to ease anxiety.

• Keep calm when talking to kids about the event. It is important to monitor your own demeanor around kids when discussing the disaster.


• Minimize exposure to news and images about the incident.


• Don’t' sweep it under the rug, but the more they hear and see the more anxious they'll be


• Do not give kids a sense of false reassurance. Do not say things like, "you are safe." or "that won't happen here." Instead, say things like, "there is a very small chance that could happen/it is unlikely." and "There are lots of people who will do everything they can to keep you safe."


• Kids may need more attention during this time.


• Keep up a normal routine


• Talk about what you would do in a severe whether threat. Practice/drill at home.