Scared of Thunder

"Mama, close the window, close the window," Ivan hurriedly asked me earlier tonight as a storm was approaching, and the sky was rumbling with thunder and lighting.

As the first thunder roared, he quickly tucked himself inside the covers, although he usually prefers to sleep on top of the sheets.

"Close the window, the right way, mama." Not only did I have to close one window in the bedroom, but the other window across the room, the one tucked away in our walk in closet, which he could see from the bed. I also had to put towels up on the windows to block the lighting. We don't have curtains, but plantation shutters that cover the lower part of the window. They're meant for privacy and don't darken the room, and since they don't cover the top part of the window, they don't block out any light, including lighting.

So it's official. Fears are kicking in. It happens to three year-olds, parenting books warn.

Not even a few months ago, Ivan was curious every time he'd hear thunder. "Gro-o-o-m," he'd say, as we taught him in Croatian.

But then about a month ago, we were getting into the car as a summer storm was approaching. The sky was alive and throbbing with lighting and thunder.

"Quickly, quickly, open the door, get in, get in," he said as he rushed toward the car. He didn't say what was the matter but just quietly sat in the car as a downpour engulfed us a few minutes later. I couldn't really pay much attention to him as I was driving, but he was quiet and snug as a bug in his car seat. I also didn't prod any further not wanting to create a fear out of something that I wasn't sure what there.

Then last night, as a typical DC evening summer storm descended on our house, with ominous thunder and lighting, he went around the house closing the windows and doors--the porch and the front door. And we wanted those open.

As I was tucking him to bed and the storm raged outside, I could see fear in his eyes. "I'm scared, mama," he said repeatedly. So we closed the windows and covered them with towels. He "hid" under the covers.

The same thing happened tonight. "I'm scared mama," he said.

He wanted to know why thunder happens. I tried explaining that it's nothing to be afraid of, that thunder and lighting sometimes accompany the rain, and other times, they don't. That all it is, is two clouds colliding. I didn't go for the "God's moving furniture" scenario.

But I know it's scary. I was afraid of thunder, especially in the dark, until I was well into my teens. And I still don't like the torrential downpours. They're so abrupt and violent.

However, I do like the sound and smell of rain. I like the sound of cars driving in the rain.
I like to have windows opened and feel the rain cool a hot summer day, especially those muggy, humid days like the last two days have been.

Considering that our air conditioner has been busted since Friday, any pretense of cool air providing a temporary respite and attempting to lower the temperature in our overheated bedrooms is welcomed. Except that Ivan want to sleep with the windows shut.