As summer comes in we hear so much on weather changes, a tropical disturbance, possible hurricane, tornado warnings, etc.

Aside from natural disasters we have world disasters: manmade disasters such as the oil spill, which is hitting families close to home along our bay and shorelines.

Also, the recession can be felt by young children because it affects families.

When things come along that are out of our control, how is your child being affected down deep? How can parents offer their children a sense of security in the midst of storms and changes?

Young children are trying to assess, from their own mental and emotional stage of development, the magnitude of what has happened.

For parents with children under 2 years old, keeping the environment as normal as possible is a high priority at home. They can easily sense emotional upset through facial expressions as well as your reactions. To keep your child well physically, emotionally, and mentally, maintain them on a regular schedule of meals and rest.

Children between the ages of 3 to 5 years will verbalize more what they see and feel. Parents: Be ready to spend time looking in their eyes and fully listen to what they are expressing. This is a time that you cannot half listen, but rather fully interact with their thoughts and questions.

Parents with older children need to be transparent. Children in this group will see insecurities whether you admit them or not. Don’t try to hide your reactions, but channel your reactions to a positive response. You can do this through outreach; by helping those who have been hurt through disasters and changes. Guide your child to look beyond their own hurts and outreach to others. Engage your family in many volunteer activities in the community, such as mission projects or disaster-relief projects. Young children can participate in folding, sorting and packaging items for people in need.

Older children can write notes of encouragement.

Be sensitive to what your child looks at on television during times that are hard. Be sensitive to their emotional well being.

Even though we as a nation are going through some difficult times right now, TIME spent with your child shows love to your child as we show our children that we can come through crisis and changes and rebuild our lives.

Beth Pinyerd lives in Daphne and serves as director of younger children at Faith Family Fellowship in Spanish Fort.