Feeling stressed about Cyclone Alfred? Here are some strategies to help you cope

Living through a natural disaster can be stressful and traumatic, and especially so for children.

Brisbane mother Jewlz says she is feeling anxious as Cyclone Alfred tracks towards the Queensland coast and also fears about isolating with her energetic two-year-old daughter for multiple days, possibly without power.

“I am extremely anxious and terrified for my child,” the 34-year-old mother, who asked that her last name not be published, said. “I’m so worried about being locked inside and isolated with my toddler.

“I usually enjoy storms myself, but keeping a kid inside by myself? It’ll be hard. I guess I already feel quite isolated. It’s bringing up those [questions] about how do we get help ... how to entertain and feed them.

“I have to push those emotions far down and, unfortunately, I don’t have anybody to offload those emotions to. I just hope I can keep it together long enough to get through,” the single mother said.

Jewlz said gentle music could help calm down her toddler when she was distressed, but with the risk of blackouts her go-to solution may not be an option.

Ernest Wong from Kids Helpline said the best thing parents could do was stay calm and “try to be a role model for your kids”.

“We don’t know how long this cyclone will stick around,” he said. “Just let yourself know that this storm will pass.”

And with no “one size fits all” approach to parenting, finding strategies to keep your particular family calm is essential, Wong advised.

“[Try to do] whatever is safe and in reason,” he said. “Try to stay close to loved ones and not go anywhere alone during this time – and try to stay indoors.”

Finding activities that you and your children enjoy can help, he added, but it’s important that you remain calm, as your child is likely to mirror your emotions.

Wong said using calming techniques including deep breathing, muscle relaxation and listening to music were also extremely effective. If we tell our children to calm down by taking deep breaths, we should do it too, and not be afraid to do it in front of them, he said.

“I think it’s a tricky balance in how much we tell our kids. It could be helpful to get them involved, to help them stay active and plan first-aid kits, flashlights and emergency kits,” Wong said.

“You and your family can work as a team to stay safe. This can keep young people occupied and contribute to the safety of the whole family.

“We don’t expect everyone to have all the answers and know what to do exactly, so if you do feel like the strategies aren’t working, there are helplines.”

Queensland Health’s collection of Birdie’s Tree e-books and videos are specifically designed to help children and families going through disasters and emergencies.

Resources to help you cope with the cyclone

• Children’s Health Queensland’s Birdie’s Tree books and resources are designed to help children and their families cope with natural disasters.
• Kids Helpline has a guide for dealing with natural disasters. 
• Parentline offers tips to help you and your child cope with a crisis or disaster.
• Australian Red Cross has a guide for preparing for emergencies.

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