Whether it's a deadly tornado, hurricane or flooding, weather events of the magnitude of the tornados that hit Joplin and the Midwest strike fear in all of us including our children. We are drawn to watching the news stories on these weather events 24/7. Be aware of the effect that watching these stories is having on not only you but your children. It may be difficult to talk to your children about these situations because you may be feeling as if you have no control over whether it could happen to you. Make peace with your emotions before addressing these stories with your children, but don't wait too long. The fear that your chiild is feeling may be growing with each hour that passes.
Focus your discussion on the way that family, friends and strangers are lending a hand to help out. If you are so inclined perhaps you and your child could gather things that will help in the relief effort or pray together for the victims and the survivors.
Include some discussion about what your family would do if a storm was headed your way. Maybe even taking the time to do a practice drill like they do in the schools. Living in Florida has taught me that it is very important to be prepared for a weather event. People tend to become complacent about these storms when we go years without a major hit. Many people were caught by surprise when we were hit by three hurricanes in less than a month in the summer of 2004. My family takes time each year to collect water, batteries, can food, candles and have a filled tank for our grill. Some people believe that preparing causes children to become anxious but I believe that it is just the opposite. Being prepared gives us all a sense that we can have some control over surviving these weather events.
Focus on the coming together of family, friends and stranger lending a hand the generosity of strangers
No comments:
Post a Comment