Question: My son, 8, is very afraid of thunderstorms. Even when it's not raining he's constantly worried about the next storm. He often asks me for the weather forecast and won't go outside if it's cloudy. What can I do to help him overcome his fear?

Answer: Fear of storms is common in children your son's age. There are several steps you can take that may help ease his anxiety. If you find his fear of storms does not get better, or if the anxiety begins to interfere with daily life, consider having him talk with a therapist or counselor.



There are several things you can try to help ease your son's fear. For some children, it's comforting to know the plan for staying safe in a storm. Talk to your son about what your family can do during a storm, even if you're outdoors or away from home. Reassure him that you'll do whatever you can to keep him safe.

Knowledge also may be helpful. If your son is interested, find books, web sites or other resources that discuss storms. Understanding what causes a storm can ease some children's anxiety about when a storm may occur. Just be careful the sources you choose focus on the storms themselves, rather than dwelling on the destruction they may cause.

Try to help your son decrease his "safety behaviors." These are the actions he takes - such as checking the forecast -- that make him feel a little better, but don't really do anything to keep him safe. When kids rely on these behaviors, it prevents them from learning they can handle uncertainty. As these behaviors decrease, children come to see that they can manage not knowing exactly what's going to happen and things often turn out fine.

As you work through ways to help your son handle his fear, remember it's important to be warm and encouraging. Never punish or belittle a child for being afraid.




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