“What does that cloud mean?”
“Is it going to rain?”
“Can you check the computer to see if it’s going to be bad weather?”
“Why is it getting windy?”

If these questions sound familiar, you’re not alone. For many families, this time of year brings the start of Storm Season—and with it, a lot of worry for children who are afraid of thunderstorms, wind, lightning, or severe weather. What may feel like a normal weather change to adults can feel overwhelming and frightening for a child who struggles with storm anxiety.

When a child becomes anxious about storms, it often pulls parents into the anxiety as well. Parents may find themselves constantly checking weather apps, offering reassurance, changing plans, or trying to protect their child from every possible storm. While these responses come from a place of care, they can sometimes unintentionally strengthen the anxiety over time.

If your child worries about storms, join us along with other parents of anxious storm kids to learn a clear parenting plan for handling storm anxiety more effectively.

In this group, we will talk about how storm anxiety works and why children can become so focused on “what if” weather scenarios. You will learn how to support your child without getting pulled into constant reassurance, accommodations, or avoidance behaviors that can keep the fear stuck in place.

We will introduce Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) strategies that help children gradually face their fears and build confidence in their ability to handle storms. Parents will learn how to stay calm, consistent, and supportive while encouraging their child to take small steps toward courage.

The goal is not to eliminate every worry about storms, but to help children learn that they are capable of handling the fear when it shows up. Over time, children can begin to see storms as something they can tolerate rather than something they must escape from.

Instead of feeling stuck in the cycle of checking the weather and trying to prevent every worry, you will learn how to step back, support your child, and cheer them on as they build the confidence to “fight back” against storm anxiety. 🌩️

TARGET AUDIENCE

This group is designed for parents of children who struggle with storm anxiety or severe weather fears. It is especially helpful for families whose children become highly worried when storms are forecasted or when the weather begins to change.

This group is a great fit for parents who:

  • Have a child who frequently asks questions about clouds, wind, thunder, lightning, or severe weather

  • Notice their child constantly checking weather apps, radar, or forecasts

  • Have a child who becomes distressed, panicked, or unable to sleep when storms are predicted

  • Find themselves reassuring their child repeatedly or changing plans because of weather fears

  • Feel unsure about how to respond in a way that actually helps their child become more confident

The group is great for parents who want to learn how storm anxiety works and how to use Cognitive Behavioral parenting strategies to help their child gradually face storms, tolerate uncertainty, and build the confidence needed to handle weather-related fears more independently.

INSTRUCTOR

Randy Floyd, LSCSW, Founder, Clinical Level Therapist

Randy is the founder of Midwest Anxiety. He is a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker who is an optimist and passionate about helping people focus on what they can do rather than what they can't do. Randy believes building a strong therapeutic relationship and tapping into a person's strengths are the most essential components of the therapeutic experience. Randy is passionate about changing the way we do mental health. He is focused on making mental health normal, a positive experience. He is also adamant about doing mental health differently. Randy believes the "old ways" suggest mental health is for the "broken" or "mentally ill." Randy believes that "Everyone Struggles." Sure. Some people struggle more than others, but everyone struggles with something. With this belief, Randy is focused on providing a wide range of programs and services to help people be mentally well ;) Go give Randy a fist bump on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

SCHEDULE

We’ll meet virtually on Saturdays from 11:30am-12:00pm. A secure video link will be provided after registration.

FEE

$25.00 per week.

CANCELLATION POLICY

We know life gets busy. If you are unable to participate in a session, please cancel at least 24 hours in advance and you will not be charged.

REGISTRATION

Spots are limited. To guarantee a place in the group, please register early.

Please complete the information below and we will contact you shortly to help get you registered for Storm Season.