Resources for Children Facing Cyclone Alfred
It’s completely understandable for children to be afraid of a cyclone like Alfred. As Cyclone Alfred approaches, it’s important to support children with age-appropriate resources and activities that can help them feel safe and empowered. Here are some helpful tools and ideas:

Acknowledge and Validate Feelings:
– Let children know it’s okay to feel scared.
– Listen to their concerns without dismissing them.

Provide Age-Appropriate Information:
– Explain what a cyclone is in simple terms.
– Focus on the safety measures being taken.

🧘 Calming Exercises:

See our video playlist for calming exercises through Yoga. Yoga isn’t just for adults—it helps kids thrive too! 

Breathing Buddies: Lie down with a stuffed animal on their tummy. Watch it rise and fall with each breath.

Shake the Snow Globe: Imagine their mind is a snow globe. When it shakes, feelings are everywhere. As they sit still, the “snow” settles, and so do their feelings.

🎶 Music and Mindfulness:

The Butterfly Hug – to calm strong feelings See our video

Meditation – Making it through the Rain See our video

Create a Calm Playlist: Soft, gentle music can reduce anxiety. Try “rain sounds” or lullabies.

Guided Meditation: Apps like Smiling Mind and Calm Kids offer free, child-friendly meditations.

🎲 Interactive Activities:

Storm Safety Kits: Involve children in creating their own safety kit. Include a torch, a favourite toy, snacks, and a family photo.

Weather the Storm Game: Draw a stormy scene and ask children to add colours of how they feel now, and on another page, bright colours to show how they feel might feel differently as the storm passes.

📚 Books That Comfort: *libraries may have these available as e-books to borrow on Libby or Borrow Box

When the Wind Blows by Linda Booth Sweeney – A gentle story about preparing for a storm.

Thunder Cake” by Patricia Polacco – A tale of bravery and comfort during a storm.

A Storm Called Katrina by Myron Uhlberg – A thoughtful story about resilience during natural disasters.

📞 Support Services:

Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 – Confidential counselling for kids and teens.

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 – Support for parents and families.

💛 Paradise Kids is Here:

If your family needs extra support, please reach out via email to dee@paradisekids.au. We’re here to help children build resilience and find calm in the storm.

Stay safe and remember: storms pass, but the love and support around you remain.

With love,
The Paradise Kids Team