by Molly Gold, founder of GO MOM !NC

By proactively adopting simple solutions that provide a measure of control, Moms can create stability and a sense of security for their families. These same measures are universal for Moms throughout our society, such as those faced with natural disasters like hurricanes or tornados to mention a few. Consider the following solutions for coping with unpredictable danger that may touch your family.

Review Emergency Plans: The most practical step you can take is reviewing all emergency contact information at your children s schools, with your back-up contacts, and with any carpools groups. Make sure your cell phone listings are current and that it is charged and turned on at all times when you are not at work or home. If you know you will be out of reach, let your back-up contact know during that time frame, they are on deck to receive the call and execute pick-up for your child. Also, let your children know who will pick them up if you aren t available so they know everything is okay if Aunt Lynn is waiting in carpool instead of Mom or Dad.

Maintain Your Routine: Children thrive on predictability so now more than ever, do your best to keep things on track. Update your planner with accurate schedule information for all family members and share this important information with your partner. In the unlikely event that you'll be operating in an emergency, you'll both be prepared to collect your family and return home safely. Stick to your carpool schedules and coordinate emergency plans with fellow carpool members should you need to act quickly. Discussing these things in advance will insure that each child's safety is at the forefront in the process.

Give Your Children Confidence: Parenting experts agree that speaking honestly with your children about a situation on an age appropriate level is an excellent way to calm fears. Point out positive measures being taken to keep harm at bay, such as increased police presence or the fact that your school regularly practices tornado preparedness. If frustration arises about cancelled activities or greater restrictions on outdoor play, remind your children that adults must make safety decisions that aren't negotiable and that this too shall pass.

Import Fun: To temper the undercurrent of tension, treat this modified status like a rainy day and go to Plan B. Import fun whenever you can with play dates close to home, movie afternoons, and spontaneous creative outlets. Write a play one afternoon and invite friends over the next to view it. Surprise them all by lifting Playstation and TV time restrictions or spend the day cooking anything they like for a mystery dinner that night. The point is by constructively directing their energies, your own anxiety won't translate through to trigger fear amongst your children. As in all things, you are your children's first and best role model. By offering them cautious and practical coping solutions, you are empowering them to survive what lies ahead, no matter how uncertain this time may be.

GO MOM!® INC Founder, Molly Gold, is a 41-year-old mother of three and the creator of The GO MOM!® product line. Find out more about GO MOM products at www.GOMOMINC.com. Gold is known for her keen insights into Family Scheduling and has been featured both in print and on air media. She currently serves as the Home Management Expert at Kenmore.com, as the Family Time Management Expert for Time Makeover on Fine Living Network, and as Family Scheduling Expert at BlueSuitMom.com.