Safe & Together

Together with your child, watch this video in which Abby and her mommy prepare for a visit from Abby’s cousins and Aunt Mary Fairy, who have to leave their home to stay safe in an emergency. 

Abby’s mommy explains that in emergencies (such as extreme weather), sometimes we have to leave our homes so we can stay safe. If your family is in that situation, you might say to your child:  

• There’s an emergency and we’re following our emergency plan.  

• We will leave so we can stay safe.  

• When we get to our “for-now” place, we can do things to make it feel more like home. 

• We’ll have some routines, like singing the same lullaby or using a familiar pillowcase.  

• Even when we have to move around, there are important things we can count on, like our love for each other. Home is where the love in our family is. 

To help foster a sense of home anywhere, try these strategies:  

In the morning:  

• Do the same stretching and breathing exercises together every morning. Stretch tall, touch your toes, then take three slow, deep breaths.  

• Say a daily “mantra” such as “We are strong” or “This will change” to set the tone for the day.  

At bedtime:  

• Cuddle together and sing the same lullaby each night.  

• Belly-breathe! Put your hands on your bellies and take three slow, deep breaths in and out, feeling your bellies rise and fall.  

• Observe the shape of the moon or count the stars before bed.   

• Hold your child’s hands as they fall asleep.