Parenting Thunder-Phobic Kids

Oh my gosh, you guys.

We had a night over here.

I knew it was going to be a doozy when I first heard the rumblings of thunder in the distance. I did what all moms of thunder-phobic kids do in these moments: I grabbed my iPhone and checked the radar.

Red and orange as far as the eye could see.

And then this: Severe thunderstorms from 8:30 pm until 2:30 am. 

Oh boy.

As if on cue, my oldest hollers above the bedtime din, “Was that THUNDER?! DID I JUST HEAR THUNDER?!”

I wave my hand nonchalantly in the air, “It’s far away, no worries! Please brush your teeth.”

Meanwhile, in my mind, I chant: PleasefallasleepbeforeitstartsPleasefallasleepbeforeitstarts…

And, thankfully, after a stack of delicious books and some snuggles, my three little thunder-phobic kiddos fell asleep…

… until midnight, at which point two boys came zooming down the hallway at a quickfire pace. I gave them snuggles, tucked them in bed, waited until it was calm, and then went back to bed.

But the radar doesn’t lie, and so the thunder dance continued, with various children involved, from midnight until just after 2:30 am.

And then, naturally, the kids were up with the sun.

This morning, my husband and I were dragging. As I sipped my first cup of coffee, I reminded myself that someday I will miss this part. I will miss little footsteps racing down the hall searching for me. I will miss the late-night chats, the snuggles, the comforting. I will miss the tucking of sheets, smoothing of hair, and soothing of worries.

Thankfully, it was Sunday and Sundays are designed for laziness. And books.

Today, I’m sharing my favorite book for thunder-phobic kids, Thunder Cake by Patricia Polacco.

“Thunder Cake” by Patricia Polacco

I love all of Patricia Polacco’s books, but Thunder Cake holds a special place in my heart. Do you have a child who is terrified of thunder? I have three. In this book, a grandmother tells her granddaughter that it is perfect Thunder Cake-baking weather. As the storm builds up, the two work on baking the cake. They must hurry because the cake needs to be in the oven before the storm has ended. What a perfect distraction from a scary storm!! As an added bonus, a Thunder Cake recipe is included at the end of the book!

Are you looking for more books for thunder-phobic kids?

If so, check out these titles:

• Franklin and the Thunderstorm by Paulette Bourgeois
• Tap Tap Boom Boom by Elizabeth Bluemle
• Thunder-Boomer! by Shutta Crum
• The Monster Storm by Jeanne Willis
• Listen to the Raindrops: Featuring the Storm Song by Kirk Lignell

Now, it’s your turn. Tell me: Do you have thunder-phobic kids? What has helped? Share here.