Helping Kids Cope with Extreme Weather and a Changing Climate: A Guide for Caregivers

With Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton dominating recent news, many of us in Pennsylvania and beyond are feeling the weight of its impacts—flooded neighborhoods, damaged homes, and the uncertainty of what's next. News headlines often highlight these events, and while adults may feel the weight of these stories, it’s important to remember that children are listening, too. Kids may not always express their anxieties in obvious ways, but they can feel deeply impacted by what they hear and see. This raises an essential question for caregivers: how do we talk to kids about extreme weather events like these? And how do we help them process these experiences while building resilience for the future?

Understanding How Kids Experience Climate Anxiety

Children may react to climate-related news in subtle or easily overlooked ways. They might express anxiety through nervousness about daily activities, reluctance to go to school, physical symptoms like stomach aches, or repetitive questions about current events. These behaviors can signal that a child feels overwhelmed by the information they are absorbing.

Extreme weather has all the elements that can cause anxiety: it's unpredictable, potentially dangerous, and challenging to understand fully. Research has shown that climate anxiety, or eco-anxiety, is increasingly common among children and adolescents. A recent survey published in The Lancet Planetary Health found that 59% of young people reported feeling very or extremely worried about our climate changing, and many felt that their governments were not doing enough to address the crisis (Hickman et al., 2021). This can create a sense of helplessness, making it essential to provide children with a safe space to express their concerns.

Tips for Talking to Kids About Extreme Weather and Shifts In Weather Patterns

1. Be Honest and Age-Appropriate

When children ask about extreme weather, it’s important to answer honestly but in a way that matches their developmental stage. For younger children, simple explanations work best: “Sometimes, the weather changes a lot because our world is getting warmer. There are many people working on ways to help.” Older children can handle more detail, including discussions about the causes of the changing climate and the efforts underway to address it. This honesty in communication builds trust and a sense of responsibility in caregivers.

2. Focus on the Helpers and Solutions

Fred Rogers famously advised looking for the helpers during scary situations, and this principle applies here, too. Remind children that many people—scientists, community volunteers, and local leaders—are working hard to tackle climate issues. Highlighting the efforts of those actively helping can shift the focus from fear to hope. Research indicates that focusing on solutions and positive actions can reduce feelings of despair and anxiety in young people (Ojala, 2012). You can also encourage your child to attend local Environmental Advisory Council meetings or community events where they can see first-hand how people are making a difference.

3. Emphasize the Importance of Science and Critical Thinking

Understanding science is key to understanding the world around us, including the impacts of changing climate. Encouraging your child to ask questions, seek reliable information, and think critically about what they hear builds scientific literacy and empowers them to feel more in control. When children understand that people are using science to solve problems, it can transform their fear into curiosity and a sense of purpose.

4. Create Space for Open Communication

Experts agree that one of the most effective ways to help children process anxiety is by allowing them to talk openly about their feelings. Create a safe and supportive space for these conversations, such as during a family meal or a quiet walk. Ask questions like, “What have you heard about the weather lately?” or “Is there anything about the change we’re seeing that worries you?” Letting kids articulate their concerns helps them feel seen and understood.

5. Partner with Educators

If your child is experiencing anxiety related to our climate, consider reaching out to their teacher. Teachers can create supportive classroom environments where students can discuss their concerns and explore solutions. Educators who incorporate discussions about resilience and local climate actions into their lessons can help students feel more empowered and less anxious. Science lessons, especially those that touch on local phenomena, can be impactful when they include conversations about resilience and positive actions.

6. Empower Through Action

Kids feel empowered when they know they can make a difference. Involve them in local environmental activities—like planting trees, reducing household waste, or participating in a community clean-up. By supporting and encouraging these actions, you can help them feel like part of the solution. When children take positive actions, their sense of agency increases, which can alleviate feelings of helplessness and anxiety. These actions don’t have to be big; even small steps can help children feel more connected and proactive.

Final Thoughts

Talking to children about our changing climate and extreme weather doesn’t have to be daunting. By being honest, highlighting the helpers, maintaining open communication, and partnering with educators, you can help children navigate their feelings and build resilience. Remember, it’s okay if you don’t have all the answers. The most important thing is that your child knows you are there to listen, support, and guide them through their concerns. Creating a dialogue about these issues can turn anxiety into action, helping kids feel empowered in the face of a changing climate.

References:

1. Hickman, C., Marks, E., Pihkala, P., et al. (2021). "Climate anxiety in children and young people and their beliefs about government responses to changing climate: a global survey." The Lancet Planetary Health.

2. Ojala, M. (2012). "Hope and changing climate: The importance of hope for environmental engagement among young people." Environmental Education Research.