What to do, what to do...?

Often, I worry that I occasionally further confuse my little sponge-like brained friends.

Preparing for a scheduled tornado drill, I had all of my pumpkins nicely seated on the rug for a "serious-face" talk. We were discussing the urgency and importance of such drill and brainstorming appropriate behaviors. A little hand goes up in the air. [This child is one of my top five Super Special Friends.]

Super Special Friend: "What happens if when we are at a tornado drill... and there's a real tornado, not like the fake tornado drill... and then the fire alarm goes off?"

Me: Somewhat taken off guard. "Well, that's a great question and I will have to check into that."

SSP: Extremely concerned. "Yes, I do believe you should because I think we will be in some big trouble trying to make the right choice."

All other students: "Ooooooh" "Ahhhhh" "That is a GREAT question!" "That's a real tricky one."

SSP: "I'm very worried because if there is a real tornado, we should be inside. But, if there's a fire, we should be outside. But if we are outside because of the fire, we will get sucked up in the tornado."

Me: Struggling to regain control as their little imaginative minds wander with the possibilities. "Just stick close to me, and I will make sure you are safe."



Needless to say, the fire drill immediately following the tornado drill probably further confused my kids. Wonderful.