Don't shy away from involving kids in emergency preparedness for your family. While it might seem like a challenging task or you feel you should shelter them from the reality that preparedness is necessary - actually the opposite is true. Most kids find this activity not only engaging but also empowering and educational. Here’s why kids love to be a part of this important process and how it benefits them and their families.
Gives Kids a Sense of Responsibility and Contribution
Children thrive when they feel they are making a meaningful contribution. By involving them in any part of emergency preparedness, they experience a sense of responsibility. Knowing they play a vital role in their family’s safety can boost their self-esteem and confidence. It teaches them that their actions matter and can significantly impact their family's well-being during emergencies. This can be a very positive experience! No need to make prepping a doom and gloom situation. Being prepared is a good thing – something to give ourselves a pat on the back for.
Hands-On Learning Experience
Kids are naturally curious and learn best through hands-on activities. Take food storage prepping as an example. Preparing food storage involves measuring, organizing, and understanding shelf life, which can be both fun and educational. This practical experience teaches them valuable life skills, such as planning, organization, and basic math and science concepts. It also gives them the opportunity to think of the foods they would choose to be stored. While they may want to have a ridiculous number of snacks, (which are important – don’t overlook the snacks and comfort food) you can teach them to consider healthier foods as well.
Building Family Bonds
Working together on a common goal strengthens family bonds. This is a great opportunity for some meaningful family time. Emergency preparedness activities offer quality time where families can communicate and share stories about past experiences or hypothetical scenarios. This teamwork creates a sense of unity and mutual support.
Encouraging Creativity and Problem-Solving
Involving kids in emergency preparedness allows them to use their creativity and problem-solving skills. They might come up with innovative ways to store food, water, create labels, or organize supplies. These activities challenge them to think critically and come up with solutions, which can be incredibly satisfying. You might be very surprised at what those little minds come up with that never even occurred to you!
Teaching Preparedness and Resilience
Kids involved in emergency preparedness learn the importance of being prepared for unexpected situations. This instills a sense of resilience and adaptability. They understand that emergencies can happen but also learn that being prepared can reduce their impact. This mindset is invaluable and can help them remain calm and resourceful in real-life situations.
Making It a Game
Children love games and challenges. Turning aspects of prepping into a game can make it even more appealing. You can create fun activities like a scavenger hunt for supplies, time challenges for organizing items, or creative contests for labeling. “Gamifying” the process keeps them engaged and excited.
Developing Healthy Eating Habits
Get the kids involved in food storage and you have the perfect opportunity to help them become more aware of the types of food their family eats. This can be an excellent time to teach them about nutrition and healthy eating habits. They learn to differentiate between various food items, understand the importance of a balanced diet, and even participate in meal planning.
Sense of Security
This might be the best reason of all. Knowing that there is a plan in place for emergencies can give kids a sense of security. Being actively involved in that plan enhances this feeling. They know what to do and where to find supplies, which can reduce anxiety about potential emergencies.
So, Wrapping it up…
Involving kids in emergency preparedness is a rewarding experience for the entire family. It teaches children valuable life skills, gives them a sense of responsibility and contribution, and enhances family bonds. By making the process fun and educational, kids not only learn about preparedness but also develop a sense of security and resilience that will benefit them throughout their lives. Something we all want for our children and grandchildren. So, next time you’re working on your emergency plan, make sure to include the youngest members of your family—they’ll love being part of it!