Ways Parents Can Prepare Their Children for Lockdown Drills
5 Ways Parents Can Prepare Their Children for Lockdown Drills: Guidance From a Clinical Counsellor & Parent
As the summer holidays came to a close, a common topic in the therapy room was lockdown drills. Many children identified this as one of their biggest worries heading into the new school year. While schools conduct these drills to protect students, the idea of needing them can spark fear, confusion, and anxiety in children. As parents, we have the unique opportunity to create a sense of safety and understanding that schools alone cannot provide.
Here are five practical ways to help your child feel emotionally and mentally prepared without overwhelming them.
- Focus on Affirming Safety
The most important message your child needs to hear is: “You are safe.” When introducing the topic, be honest and focus on the idea that lockdown drills are precautions, just like fire drills—not because something bad is going to happen, but to practice what to do in case it does.
Example:
“Just like we practice what to do in a fire, your school practices what to do if there’s something unsafe nearby. That way, everyone knows how to stay safe.”
- Talk About the Helpers
Remind & reassure your child that during any emergency, adults are there to help. This reinforces the idea that they are not alone and that grown-ups are available to protect them.
Example:
“Your teacher/principal/school staff all work together to keep everyone safe. They’re practicing just like you and want to keep you safe.”
- Practice Emotional Check-Ins
Let your child know it’s okay to have feelings about lockdown drills. Encouraging them to name and share their feelings helps reduce anxiety and builds emotional resilience. It is also important to respect your child’s wishes if they do not want to talk about it, but ensure you let them know you are available when they are ready.
Example:
“Sometimes lockdown drills can feel scary. It’s okay to feel scared. Do you want to talk about it?”
- Talk About Feelings & Validate Them
One of the most supportive things we can do for our kids is to normalize emotions. Let them know that it’s okay to feel nervous, confused, or even annoyed by lockdown drills. Make room for these feelings without trying to fix them.
Example:
“It makes sense that you felt scared. I probably would have too.”
Avoid phrases like: “Don’t worry about it.” Or “It’s not a big deal.”
Instead, validate first, then reassure: “A lockdown drill can be very scary. I am so proud of how brave you were today.”
- Practice Being Calm Together
One way to build emotional resilience is to practice calming strategies together.
Teach your child simple grounding techniques like:
- Deep belly breathing (smell the cupcake, blow out the candle)
- Squeezing a stress ball/playing with a fidget
- Naming five things they can see or hear (sensory grounding)
- Positive self-talk (e.g., “I know what to do. I am safe. My teacher is here to help.”)
Practicing these skills before a lockdown drill (or any other stressful situation) gives children something familiar to try during/after a lockdown drill.
Final Thoughts
I know that we can’t shield our children from every scary or uncertain situation. However, we can equip them with the tools to feel prepared, confident, and supported. Lockdown drills are an unfortunate part of today’s world, but they don’t have to be traumatic. With calm guidance, honest conversation, and practical coping tools, we can help our children face these moments with resilience, not fear.
Consider reaching out to your child’s teacher or a Wildflowers team member if you or your child needs any further support. As a parent, it can be challenging to navigate situations like lockdown drills. Remember, neither you nor your child should have to navigate this alone.
Resources for Parents:
- Good Inside (book & website)- By Dr. Becky Kennedy (how to support “deep feeling kids”)
- The Whole Brain Child (book)- By Dr. Dan Siegel (a neurological approach to parenting with practical strategies)
- com- Activities and resources to support your child with big emotions
- Wildflowers Blog- visit the blog for various tips and tricks to support children’s mental health
Blog Post by: Rikki Gusway-Kelln, Clinical Counsellor with Wildflowers
