Helloooooooo out there!!!!!
Before I tell you how help the children, I am giving you a timely clip to enjoy. Click the link! I know you are gonna like it!!!!!!!
Find out what's happening in Bensalemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"Mommy! Mommy! What if a tree falls down? Can the house blow away? Should we empty the pool? Where will we go if we have to leave the house? Who will help us?"
Find out what's happening in Bensalemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
These are only five of the gazillion questions that my nine-year-old daughter has asked me since she learned about Hurricane Irene.
She is frightened. This is a new and scary experience for her. Hey! It is new and scary for me and I am a forty five year old adult!
So, how do we help our terrified, tiny, kadoodles? Easy Peazy! We explain!
The most important thing is that we know about this in plenty of time to prepare. We are all set with our extra water, flashlights and food.
Next, we tackle the questions. Give a clear answer for each one. Fear is not knowing. So, arm your cowering kids with the truth. It is definitely much better than anything their little minds are imagining!
Example: What if a tree falls down?
If a tree falls down, hopefully, it won't fall on the house. But, if it does, then it might cause some damage. If that happens, we will call the fire department who will send firefighters out to remove the tree. Then, we will probably stay at Bleh-Bleh's house for a night or two, or we might go to a hotel and get to swim in the indoor pool. Then, we will get the house fixed.
Won't that be an adventure? Wow! What a great story to write about when we go back to school!
So, there ya go. As with any fear, it is all about the unknown. So, make it known and chase that fear away!
Before I go, I would also like to share a few fun things you can do if you lose power.
1. The Dictionary Game -
If it is your turn, you open the dictionary and find a word that is uncommon. Everyone writes down a definition of the word and then hands it to the person who chose the word. The person who chose the word then reads each definition, as well as the real definition. Everyone gets to vote on which definition they think is the real definition. The person whose definition gets the most votes wins. The idea is to make up a definition that sounds as plausible as possible, so that lots of people will think it's the real definition. This game is a lot like Apples to Apples but, it is family friendly, free and fun!
2. WARNING: Adult Needed!
Children draw anything they want on a piece of paper. Make sure they use lots of bright colors and color in the entire page. Then, the adult takes a candle and drips candle wax on the paper. Hmm, might want to use a three by five card or by the time you finish, the sun will be back. After the candle wax has hardened, the child can take a Popsicle stick or dull butter knife and carve out his or her name in the wax. You can put it in a frame or attach ribbon to the top and hang it up.
3. Make a sign that says "I Survived Hurricane Irene!" Decorate the sign with smiling family members and trees blowing in the wind.
4. WARNING: Adult Needed!
Put a candle inside of a large, metal pot. Use long utensils to roast marshmallows. Put the roasted marshmallows inside a sandwich of Hershey Bar pieces and graham crackers. Use chocolate syrup if you don't have Hershey Bars. Yum!
5. Set up a tent in the largest room of the house. Take a book inside and read by flashlight. Let the kids sleep inside the tent overnight if they wish. Two weekends ago, my daughter had two girlfriends sleep over. We made a tent in the living room and they had the time of their lives!
This is the Cookie J, hoping that everyone stays safe and inside during Hurricane Irene. And, don't forget, this is a marvelous time to ~ HURRY!!!! ~ Bake some cookies before the power goes out!!!
