Storm watch: count the thunder, then talk about fear
When thunder rolls in, sit back from the window and count flash to boom for the storm's distance. Then talk about what scares each of you.
- Time
- 30 min
- Cost
- $0
- Ages
- 4 to 10
- Where
- Inside, back from the window
What you need
- A window you can see the sky from, a few steps back
- A blanket or couch cushions to sit on together
- Paper and a pencil to log each count
- A flashlight in case the power goes out
Lightning safety: read this first
- Inside the whole time. If you can hear thunder, you're close enough to be struck. No porch, no open garage, no running out to look.
- Back from windows and outside doors. Sit a few steps away and don't touch the glass, the door or its handle.
- No baths, dishes or plugged-in things until it passes. Lightning can travel through a house's plumbing and electrical wiring.
- Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before anyone goes outside. If a severe weather warning comes, stop the plan and follow it.
Steps
- Set up the watch post. Sit together a few steps back from a window. Nobody touches the glass, doors, sink or anything plugged in.
- Count flash to boom. At each flash, count seconds out loud until the thunder. Write each number down.
- Turn seconds into miles. Divide each count by five to get miles. Watch whether the numbers grow or shrink.
- Talk about the scary part. Ask what feels scary about storms. Listen first. Share one of your own fears and what helps you.
- Make a storm plan together. Write a three-line storm plan: where we go, what we don't touch, what helps. Keep it for next time.
- Wait out the last rumble. Start a 30-minute timer after the last thunder. Nobody goes outside until it rings.
If it stalls
- If they're too scared to watch, skip the window. Sit in a hallway, count the thunder with eyes closed, and hold hands.
- If they can't count fast enough, you count out loud and they hold up a finger for each second.
Closest count · farthest count
Signed off: can do this.Signed by Date