The children of Florida

[schmita]

Cindy,
My nephew is having panic attacks also. He is 10. When he was 4, a tornado hit the house. There was much destruction, windows imploding, people screaming etc. This was in Miami.

Since then, as you say even a thunderstorm affects him. His mom (my sis) is a bit of a hysteric so that doesn't help.

We feel he needs therapy and are working on convincing her that he does. He feels safe with this dad though.
They live in West Palm Beach. They were hit by Frances and poor kid was in full panic mode in the shelter.

For future hurricanes they plan to get out of town so as not to expose him to the trauma again.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

[drudd1]

Hi CinFla, just a suggestion, but it might help. Get your son involved in as much as you can. Pick a chore that needs to be done that involves getting ready for Jeanne. Our chore for my nine year old was getting the safe area in the middle of our home ready. This involved blankets, pillows, some snacks, radio, flashlights, etc. being stocked there. She really took this seriously, and was very proud of her job. We also played it up big time and commended her on a job well done. During a period of exceptionally heavy wind, she was not the least bit nervous(for the 2nd storm), and kept talking about how great it was that we had a neat place to ride out the storm. Needless to say, she was proud of herself, and felt quite a bit more in control. Worked great for us, and is now part of our regular routine. I found that during the first storm, while my older son was directly involved in covering the windows and such, she had been left out and felt powerless.

Just my .02, but we were quite happy with the results.

[MBryant]

That's a wonderful idea. It is always less stressful when you can take charge, rather than panic.

[Guest]

Patrick 09 I agree it is no big deal. Frances took a couple shingles off the house that was it. This is the age of the hurricanes and we have to deal with it. My kids and I enjoyed ourselfs playing board games and cards.

[iluvseashore]

I agree with getting the kids involved with preparing for a storm. Thats what I've heard is good for adults to cope so it must help the kiddies as well. Giving a feeling of control over the situation. That seems to be the big fear here. Not being able to control whats going on I mean.

My concern is for kids and school. There is no way you can tell me that children aren't affected. It's always in the back of their minds. Teachers are talking openly about it will them. I also know working in the classroom along side teachers that the workload for our school has rapidly increased. Teachers are feeling the heat from the state to stay the course and our kids are suffering. The lessons are being taught at an unbelievable pace. Homework has increased all in an effort to catch up. All of this is causing stress. Teachers,Administrators and of course the students are all feeling the pressure. No help is coming from the state in our county. We are expected to make up all of the storm days on holidays for which most people go out of town and FCAT testing is to be done on time. I really feel bad for the kids here in Florida. We have only been mildly affected here and its hurting the schools I can't even imagine how the hard hit areas are feeling.

[drudd1]

Patrick and Smokin, I agree, that for many of us, it's not that big of a deal, and we take it in stride, whatever is dished out, we will take it and move on. I have noticed, however, that every one of us that feel that way, made it through both storms in relatively good shape. Within 10 miles of my home, we have families that are homeless and may not share the same nonchalant attitude, and justifiably so. Concern is warranted, panic is not, and is counter productive. Nonetheless, it is understandable, and there is no guarantee that the next storm won't interrupt our board games and carefully laid plans. Even if the storm is not so bad, a tornado, at any given time, may take our roof with missing shingles, and move it on down the road. The important thing for everyone is to be prepared, and make the best of an uncomfortable situation.

[lilyv]

Get your son involved in as much as you can.
quote]

My suggestion would be to also choose "chores" that really aren't, as well. Such as, take him to the store, give him a budget, say of 15 or 20 dollars, and let him choose several passtime games, from old maid to a board game, puzzles, so on. Also have him choose some candy to pack up in a ziploc with the storm supplies. It would also be fun for him if you'd suggest that maybe the family needs to test out some of the passtime supplies, and have a game night. If you have to re-supply the candy for storage, no problem. The main thing is to have some positive family time.