As parents, it’s up to us to start the conversation about emergency preparedness. There are multiple ways to integrate survival skills into daily life so that the conversation seems less daunting and scary for them. These are also skills that they can take into their adult life and eventually start with their own families.
Start by talking about it
You should start by asking them about what would happen during various scenarios. For example if a blizzard hits your area and there is no more power. What would stop working in the house and what can be done about it? This will help trigger an alternative thinking process.
If you start to teach your children about emergency preparedness you should expect that some of the scenarios you put on the table may frighten your kids. You need to be ready to comfort them. Explain that even though these types of things happen and you cannot control them. However, you can definitely control the outcome by preparing supplies to have what would be needed.
Get them involved every time there’s an opportunity
One trip to Wallmart is all you need to get prepared. My grandsons are eager to help me pick out groceries that do not require refrigeration and they help me search for foods with extended shelf life. I try to get them involved in all my prepping activities.
If your kids are adventurous and eager to discover new things, take them out camping. Teach them outdoor skills that would prove useful, like building a lean-to shelter for example. Some good friends of ours made a “chores” schedule for their pantry and their kids have specific tasks assigned. They check the temperature, the dates on the cans and so on.
Make a plan with your kid
Every kid should know important phone numbers, meeting places and who to contact depending on the situation. Even allowing them to follow a map that leads to various meeting spots will help you figure out what needs to be improved. Play the” what if?” game.
EDC for your kid
Making a small emergency kit provides both confidence and security for your kids. Make sure the emergency kit contains items such as water pouches, high-calorie energy bars, a whistle, a light stick, band-aids and an emergency blanket.
Your kid, your way!
Your kids are an important part of your life and you should know what triggers their attention. Learn what their limits are and how much you can stretch their comfort zone. Regardless however it is you decide to prepare, remember that your kids have a different perspective of life and they lack the skills needed to survive.
Do you have any other advice for talking to and prepping kids for an unexpected crisis?
Article Source: Prepper's Will
