You're by far not the only person with this phobia.

How did you deal with this fear when you are little? Such as, how did your parents treat you? I used to always leave my bed and go to sleep where ever my mom was up or sleeping. She was fascinated by storms and would sit outside to watch them, so I believe that helped me diminish the intimidation of them.

Also: The majority of lightening is between clouds, and are not ground strikes. So the vast majority of the lightening you witness are harmless electric discharges in the sky.

Now tornadoes! I'll panic.