When bad weather is approaching, you may be facing more of a challenge than entertaining your child. It is common for young children to be frightened of storms. You need to set a good example — if you remain calm and nonchalant, chances are your child will stay calm as well. These activities will keep your child occupied and may even distract her from her anxiety.

Storm Sounds

Be sensitive to your child's fears. If she doesn't like loud noises, she may not like this activity. However, some children who are frightened of thunder may feel a greater sense of control when they can safely duplicate the noise.

• Play the recording for your child. Discuss what she hears and try to figure out what is scary about the noises.

• Show your child how to bang and rattle the metal cookie sheets to simulate the sound of thunder. Ask your child to come up with other ways to make thunder sounds.

Rain Sticks

Rain sticks have long been popular as musical instruments in other cultures. Now you don't have to go to a fancy import store at the mall to find them — your child can make one out of materials you have around the house. Many children find the sound of a rain stick to be very soothing.

• Let your child color the tube for decoration.

• Fasten one tinfoil square on the end of the tube with masking tape. Leave the other end open until the tube is filled.

• Help your child fit the pipe cleaner into the tube. Assist her in pouring in the rice.

• Close the other end of the tube with the second square of tinfoil. Show your child how to tilt the stick back and forth to create the rain noise.