When the Storm Hits: How Dads Can Help Kids Face Natural Disasters and the News That Follows

Hey dads,

Natural disasters are one of those unavoidable parts of life—floods, fires, tornadoes, earthquakes… even the occasional derecho (yes, that’s a real thing). And with 24/7 news coverage and social media, our kids don’t just see what’s happening outside, they absorb the emotional storm inside, too.

As dads, it’s our job not just to protect and provide, but to guide. So how do we do that when the world around us feels chaotic, and our kids are asking the big, scary questions?

Let’s talk about it—Dad to Dad.

1. Be the Calm in the Chaos

Kids look to us as the emotional thermostat of the house. If you panic, they’ll panic. If you stay steady—even when the situation is serious—they’ll feel safer.

That doesn’t mean hiding the truth. It means showing them that yes, storms come… but we prepare, we respond, and we recover—together.

So if a tornado watch is issued, explain what that means. Show them your emergency kit. Let them help gather flashlights or fill the bathtub (if that’s part of your plan). Giving kids something to do helps replace fear with focus.

2. Talk Honestly—But Age-Appropriately

Depending on your child’s age, they might ask things like:

“Will our house be okay?”
“What if we have to leave?”
“Is Grandma safe?”
“Why did that happen to those people?”

Give answers that are true, but not overwhelming.

For younger kids: “Yes, we’re safe, and we have a plan if we need it. Grown-ups are working hard to help people who were hurt by the storm.”

For older kids and teens, don’t shy away from the hard stuff. But balance the bad news with examples of resilience and kindness: “It’s terrible what happened in that town, but look at all the volunteers helping. That’s what community looks like.”

3. Limit the News (and Translate It When Needed)

The news cycle doesn’t stop—and sometimes it feels like it wants us to panic. Graphic images, sensational headlines, scary stats. Even we can get overwhelmed, let alone a 10-year-old with a tablet.

Turn the news off if it’s getting too intense. Or better yet—watch it with your kids and use it as a teachable moment. “That’s what the reporter says, but let’s talk about what that really means for us. Here’s what we can do, and here’s what’s just noise.”

4. Teach Through Action

After the disaster passes, use it as a teaching opportunity. How can your family help?

Donate clothes or supplies
Volunteer locally
Write letters or prayers for those affected

Even simple acts make kids feel empowered instead of helpless. They see that we don’t just react—we respond with heart.

5. Model Emotional Strength… and Vulnerability

Sometimes, the best thing you can do is admit: “Yeah, that was scary.” It gives your child permission to feel what they’re feeling. Follow it up with: “But we made it through. And we’ll get through whatever comes next, too.”

Real strength isn’t just muscles and tools. It’s being emotionally available. It’s listening. It’s hugging your kid tight after a loud thunderclap and saying, “I’ve got you.”

Final Thought: Dads Are the Shelter, Too

Your child may never remember the name of the storm—but they will remember how you made them feel during it.

In the face of nature’s unpredictability, we offer a different kind of shelter: the dependable presence of a dad who shows up, stays calm, and leads with love.

Stay strong, dads. And keep the flashlights (and hugs) handy.

Mike Austin– Radio Dad