Below are some notes and tips for parents about how to help children cope with severe weather events.Parents of younger children should avoid appearing anxious or overwhelmed during a hurricane event. Children are affected by their parents' moods.Staying calm will help children feel calm. Reassure children they are safe and that adults and other professionals are working very hard to protect them.Help them understand what is happening in language that is age appropriate.Express the emotions that you are feeling. This will help children to understand and be able to express their own emotions.Encourage children to talk about what they are feeling and what they have heard.Be honest in your answers to questions and use language children can understand. If it seems to a child that you are holding something back they will likely be reluctant to ask for help in the future.Maintain as much routine as possible; keeping things familiar keeps things comfortable. Spend more time with children following a trauma. This will help calm children and help them feel secure.Help children find ways to relax and calm themselves. For children, playing can naturally reduce stress. In addition, many children find that exercise, listening to music, or taking a warm bath helps them to relax. Other techniques can include deep breathing or focusing on pleasant thoughts or images.Limit children's viewing of television coverage about the event. Watching television coverage can re-traumatize children. Young children may believe that the event is happening again and older children can easily become overwhelmed.Don’t be surprised if a child's mood fluctuates or if they become clingier. Respond by letting youngsters know that you are there for them physically and emotionally.Take care of yourself. You will be better able to support your children if you are monitoring your own stress levels and getting the support that you need.Talking to friends, family members, clergy, and professionals can help you sort out your own feelings and models effective coping strategies for children.Make sure that you get plenty of rest, nutrition and exercise.