Q: How can I help my anxious eight-year-old with her fear of thunderstorms and lightning. As soon as the clouds darken, she starts to panic. She has even been sent home from school due to this.

First off, try to teach her about the science behind thunderstorms and lightening, the Family Project panel recommended.

Panelist Chad Stefanyak suggested you and your daughter do research on the computer together.

“Give her education about what a thunderstorm is and you may find a little bit of knowledge will ease her nerves. Right now it is unknown. You can make it known,” Stefanyak said.

“There are lots of stories that try to explain thunder such as God bowling. What information does she have about what thunder and lightening are,” wondered panelist Mike Daniels.

The panelists asked how long this has been going on.

“At eight, did you just notice she was fearful? Did this just pop up in the last year?” Daniels asked.

Panelist Pam Wallace wondered if your daughter is frightened by other loud noises such as fireworks.

“It could be a sensory issue,” suggested Wallace.

“Offer her a comfort object such as a stuffed toy to help her calm down,” said panelist Denise Continenza.

“She can’t avoid thunderstorms, but a comfort object could help during a stressful time,” Continenza said.

“When she is at home, give her a pair of headphones to listen to music and tune out the noise,” Wallace suggested.

“Give her some level of control. Have her listen to recordings of the sounds of thunderstorms to desensitize her,” added Daniels.

“Allow her to sit with mom and be comfortable during storms. Have her breathe and relax, so she experiences it in a more comfortable and safe way,” Daniels said.

It’s important for you as parents to be patient and understanding with this, the panelists agreed.

“She is going into fight or flight mode and that shuts off all reasoning. She is not at a place where she can be reasonable and talk through it. She needs help until she gets there,” said panelist Joanne Raftas.

“She may need professional therapy to find out what triggered this,” Raftas added.

“She may need to learn coping skills. She can’t miss school because of thunderstorms,” said panelist Erin Stalsitz.

This week’s panel: Pam Wallace, program coordinator, Project Child, a program of Valley Youth House; Chad Stefanyak, school counselor; Erin Stalsitz, Lehigh Children & Youth; Denise Continenza, extension educator; Joanne T. Raftas, registered play therapist, and counselor and Mike Daniels, LCSW, Psychotherapist.

Have a question? Email: projectchild@projectchildlv.org

The Family Project is a collaboration of the Lehigh Valley Press Focus section and Valley Youth House’s Project Child.

The Times News, Inc., and affiliates (Lehigh Valley Press) do not endorse or recommend any medical products, processes, or services or provide medical advice. The views of the columnist and column do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Lehigh Valley Press. The article content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, or other qualified health-care provider, with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.