Thunder and lightning may scare your toddler with their loud booming sounds and bright cracks of light. If the sight of storm clouds causes your toddler to become frightened, you can help ease his fears. KidsHealth reports that fear is a common emotion, and most likely your toddler will outgrow what frightens him as he gets older.
Step 1
Acknowledge your toddler's fear. According to KidsHealth, if you validate what your toddler is scared of, he will feel supported as he deals with his emotions. If your toddler is afraid of storm clouds, it is because he perceives them as being a real threat to his safety. Allow your toddler to express his fears to you and be attentive so he knows you will help keep him safe.
Step 2
Teach your toddler coping strategies to help her deal with her fears of storm clouds. Try acting as a safe place for your child, suggests KidsHealth. Tell your toddler that she can work her way through her fears by experiencing them because you will be with her. You can also try teaching your child to breathe deeply when she gets scared until the fear passes.
Step 3
Expose your toddler to what he is afraid of in small doses. HealthyChildren.org recommends working with your toddler to make him feel less scared a little at a time. Sit at a window during a storm and point out the shapes and colors of the storm clouds, allowing your toddler to ask questions. When he is comfortable watching the clouds through the window, you can move to the front porch to watch the storm. Over time, storm clouds will seem less threatening to your toddler.
Tips and Warnings
- Do not go out of your way to avoid what causes your toddler to be afraid, as you will be giving in to his fears. Go about your activities even if storm clouds are present, but let your toddler know that you are with him so that he can begin to work through his fears. Provide lots of love and attention when your toddler is afraid to let her know that she is not in trouble for being scared. Your toddler is most likely to overcome her fear if she knows you are there to help her through it.
- Never criticize your toddler for being scared of something. Belittling him will not make his fear go away, says KidsHealth.
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