Some kids are scared of monsters in the closet.
My kids are scared of tornadoes.
We had a weather theme for preschool back in April and on the day we learned about the letter T, we also learned a little about tornadoes. We happen to live in a part of the country that sees some severe weather--thunderstorms, tornadoes, even hurricanes. With April marking the beginning of tornado season, I wanted to help the kids understand what a tornado is, what to do in a tornado, etc. (and I wanted to learn for myself--the only tornado to hit my home town of Salt Lake City came while I was living in Ecuador as a missionary).
Apparently the preschool lesson made a lasting impression, because tornado discussions are quite common in our house now. At one point, I had to find some video clips online to help RVC understand that tornadoes don't have hands. She was very concerned for a while that a tornado might be able to open her closet door. We've turned on the weather report a few times to reassure her that there there is not a tornado watch or warning that day.
During one recent discussion in which RVC expressed particular concern, TEC explained, "You have to understand, RVC, tornadoes are pretty rare." A few minutes later, RVC asked, "Dad, what's ware?"
TEC: "Wear, as in something you wear?"
RVC: "No."
TEC: "Where, as in where are you going?"
RVC: "No. You said that tornadoes are ware."
Last night she came into our room to tell us about a bad dream. Her new worry is about little SCC, who "doesn't know how to get under a mattress." TLC, always up for an opportunity to get out of bed, was there too, reassuring us that "The tornado can NOT open the doeee!!!"
I guess it's healthy to be a little afraid of the weather. Hopefully I can do a better job of emphasizing the "what to do" part and not so much the scariness of it all.
2 comments:
for what it's worth, I, too, was terrified of tornadoes as a kid. i still remember the vivid dreams i would have about tornadoes hitting salt lake valley (a highly unusual occurence)....
congrats on the new house! where is canyon rim?
Yeah! Glad you are making plans for the move! That's a great story! Poor kid...that's sad to be scared of anything. Guess I didn't teach Briel in enough detail...even when we were hiding in the bathtub during a tornado warning. Hopefully R. be more at ease in UT. ;) Craig has two interviews in SL with judges and we're feeling pretty confident about them...so hopefully we'll head back here in Feb. Who knows though! :)
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