By Beth Blancher, MA, MHP
Making your trips unforgettable.
When traveling to Disney, especially in summer there are frequently many thunderstorms. For many traveling from regions that rarely see thunderstorms it appears as nature’s fireworks lighting up the sky. For families especially with children with anxiety the lightning and especially the accompanying loud claps of thunder brings a terrifying fear and can bring vacation plans to a sudden halt. So what can we do to help children cope with thunder? One way is to help them understand that there are steps we can take to keep us safe and that Mickey too has also worked to help keep them safe. Teach the child the rules of lightning safety, learning to respect and understand it. Then if your child is able to take an intellectual approach encourage them to become the “family expert” on lightning.
Before you travel review basic lightning safety in a simple easy to remember fashion. Lightning likes tall things like trees and towers so don’t run under a tree in a storm. If you are outside stay away from tall objects and umbrellas can be dangerous too especially in an open field where you are the tallest object. Lightning is attracted to water so stay away from swimming pools and boats. A good rule is to get out of the water if lightning if lightning is approximately 10 miles away. If lightning strikes the water, its electrical energy can spread through the water and hurt you. Here are the safety rules provided by the Lightning Protection Institute:
- Keep away from tall objects like trees
- Keep away from pools and lakes
- Don’t use an umbrella
- Go indoors as quickly as possible
- If you cannot go indoors, get inside a hard top car – not a convertible
- When inside your home, stay away from TV’s, electrical appliances, bathtubs and sinks
- Do not talk on the land line telephone or play on the computer
- Never, never touch an electrical cord or outlet!
(Lightning Protection Institute)
When at a Disney Park remember to point out to your child that Disney or Mickey has taken many safety measures to help reduce injury from lightening by installing a lightning protection system. The primary components consist of air terminals, conductor cable, bonds with metallic bodies, ground terminations and surge arresters to form a complete and efficient lightning protection system. The system is built into the structure made to blend in and nearly invisible. When looking up at the building all guests see is a small antenna like object on several of the highest peaks on buildings and attractions. This system is designed to capture the destructive power of the strike which is directed and dissipated safely into the ground, leaving the visitors, structure and equipment unharmed. (www.mcleanlp.com)
The next step in helping to reduce your child’s anxiety is to monitor the family’s response to the storm. First the child reads a parents response and reaction. If they sense you are frightened and anxious then they will respond accordingly. Avoid responses like “OH NO!!” keep calm and confident helping your child to adapt and reassure them you do take steps to keep them safe. Try to reframe the response by telling them they are prepared now and they “were afraid” but now know they are taking the steps to stay safe and secure. Give your child time to adapt to their new approach. If you know a thunderstorm is approaching head for shelter before the storm is too close and do not make it obvious. Rides such as Pirates of the Caribbean and It’s a Small World can provide not only shelter but sound buffer from the thunder. If your child is really frightened and you feel it’s best to return to the resort remember to reinforce the safety measures you have taken and how they worked to keep you safe. Start slow at the level where your child is comfortable and work to gently increase their ability to function and tolerate the storm.
Another step which is optional is to let your child become the family expert about lightning and thunder. The more a child learns about what causes thunder and how we can take steps to respect and protect ourselves from danger the more confident they will become. Monitor your child’s research for age appropriate information avoiding sites that may increase anxiety.
Here are a few websites for children:
http://easyscienceforkids.com/all-about-thunder-and-lightning/
http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/science/science_thunder.htm
http://scienceforkids.kidipede.com/physics/weather/lightning.htm
http://lightning.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/LeonThunderRoarsInsert.pdf
http://lightning.org/safety-game/
It’s important to remember that this is a process and not “Disney Magic”. Start with safety and education about lightning and remind your family that you do take the necessary steps to keep safe. For travel remember to make a point to talk about and show your child the protective measures Disney has taken to keep them safe before a storm approaches. Finding the lightning rods can be a fun activity while in line or taking a break. Have a family discussion on lightning safety and let them talk about their fears and what they think may happen. Avoid dismissing their fears without first exploring their fears and concerns; then help to dispel any unrealistic beliefs and thoughts. Teach them the simple rules on how to estimate the distance of the lightning strike. Practice this and remind them when the lightning is getting within 10 miles the family will take the necessary steps for safety.
When a storm is approaching reinforce these steps by first demonstrating that you are taking the appropriate steps to keep them safe. Do not assume that your child realizes you are protecting them; tell them you are following the safety rules. After you child has an understanding encourage them to help the family by becoming the lightning “expert”. This can work well with children especially those who take black and white approach to coping and have the intellectual skills, so not a child who is not reading or below the 3rd grade reading level. If your child needs a hug or cries it’s okay to let them express those fears. A child’s primary need is dependence on the parent for safety and shelter. By providing this it helps to build trust for future relationships. It’s not a problem if your child is anxious but repeated teasing and berating of a child with fears about safety could have a negative impact on your child and their developing trust and relationships. Your goals to enjoy the thunder and lightning may take time but the benefits will outweigh the efforts.