We are relocation across the country and my children are happy. My son saw a tornado documentary and is freaking out. He was excited until he saw that. He is 9.
2006-06-30 19:09:17 · 12 answers · asked by leannabanana 1 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
'the wizard of oz' was a friendly tornado :) approved by every 9 year old on the planet..
seriously .. I would reassure him of how current forcasting abilities make tornados easy to prepare for and that shelters can withstand most direct hits from one. let him know that you have a plan in place for the event that one gets close and that sirens give lots of advanced warning.. make him feel safe and you, yourself should learn to detect warning signs for what to watch out for .. especially things like cloud formations.. and having emergency supplies ready at all times..
Personally, I would not let this possibility keep me from making a move to somewhere like oklahoma or kansas or nebraska .. they are well prepared and have excellent capabilities for predictions and advanced warning systems.
He should be easily reassured when presented with the facts of the situation and the knowledge that he will be safe.. but expect the unexpected and prepare accordingly :)
Have a good trip.. Best wishes :)
2006-06-30 19:19:31 · answer #1 · answered by lost_but_not_hopeless 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I go to college in tornado alley so I understand the fear. The first time he sees the storm I bet that the fear will go away. The first time I saw one I was in a park at a friends party with seriously high winds that I didn't associate with tornados cause it's always windy when the siren came on. Nothing happened after that except for one of the best rainstorms I've ever seen. I think that you should help him study them some more making sure that what you find out what your looking at before he does. Then maybe get him one of those tornado in a bottle thingys. holding the fear in your hand realy makes you realize how small it is.
2006-07-01 02:27:12 · answer #2 · answered by O 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There isn't anywhere in the United States that isn't prone to some sort of weather disaster. I have lived in tornado alley, and currently live on the Gulf Coast. I have lived through and seen tornadoes, and have stayed here for a few hurricane's as well. Explain to your children that bad weather can happen anywhere and have a family plan for safety. Practice drills with them until they feel comfortable. If you exhibit a calmness it will be reassuring to them. My son was with me in the car when we spotted a tornado once. Luckily it was moving away from us, but I stayed calm and my son was actually fascinated by the power and then wanted to check out books from the library to learn more. Educate them.
2006-07-01 15:04:48 · answer #3 · answered by Kim 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What now? He'll be a nervous wreck....and you guys never talked about this until he saw the documentary? Oh, well....I wouldn't move to a place like with my kids ....but tell him about the advanced technology nowadays that warns people way ahead of time when tornadoes are anywhere near and which path they take. Have him research the topic extensively. Maybe he can become a tornado chaser himself one day. We are most afraid of things we don't understand. Researching the topic will help him understand and be proactive in overcoming that fear.
2006-07-01 02:21:41 · answer #4 · answered by justmemimi 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i agree with lost_but_not. i grew up in kansas and the alarm/ siren system was great. all the schools have tornado drills so that the children know what to do. i've never been in or seen a tornado, but many have come through the town i grew up in, leavenworth. i have seen the out come a few time though. flooding and such, one time one ripped the roof off of a local kmart, but like i said you will know before it happens. have a place with a basement or know someone who does is a great idea. if you are military you should check with the base for plans.
2006-07-01 08:13:44 · answer #5 · answered by bcdhowell 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I couldn't do it. We had one tornado touch down in front of us (a few miles away) here in California. All it did was tear off someone's garage door. That just freaked us out. Of course, we have earthquakes. I imagine they have something scary everywhere you go. If you are going be sure you have a storm cellar or whatever they call it out there and don't hesitate to dive in. I'm sure you will get used to it. Make sure you have a plan and your son knows it...like a fire drill except have it be a tornado drill. Good luck with your move.
2006-07-01 02:15:55 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on your living conditions. You could try explaining how they would be safe in case of a tornado. Always think about your children first. They're the most precious thing you could ever have.
2006-07-01 02:16:17 · answer #7 · answered by Geneddly 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I live in a town where we get tornado warnings probably 20 times a year and nothing has ever happened. Your kid will outgrow this. My sister had the same fear but she's not afraid anymore because she's grown up.
2006-07-01 02:15:47 · answer #8 · answered by talkwithflowers 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
check online with NOAA and see the place where you are going to live. check that stats for how many tornados have actually touched down and show your son the results. maybe he wont freak out so bad.
2006-07-01 02:13:49 · answer #9 · answered by late_sleeper35 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
explain the odds, and then ask if he believes in God and if he thinks god is more powerful than any thing like tornadoes then say we trust god to protect us and we pray for each others safety anywhere we live and so he can save us anytime and place thank God
2006-07-01 02:28:06 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋