Misty,

I’m so sorry to hear that your son had so much trouble with the fire drill.  He is only 4 and as you know they have VERY big imaginations with not alot of vocabulary to express themselves.  You are doing the right thing by following your instincts to get to the bottom of this.  From my experience with difficult issues- I try not to make a big deal of things, down play and just try to communicate in many different ways.  With a child that young, it’s hard to just say "hey did the fire drill upset you or is something else going on?".  Sometimes playing or book reading or coloring can bring it out.  It may not be about the fire drill at all and that is just how his anxiety is manifesting itself.  Is this his first time in preschool?  I’ve not been where you are with fire drills but I’ve had lots of other things over the years so if you want to talk, please feel free to email me.  My girls are both sswcah, 9 & 7 years old.

Na,

I can’t believe that you would be so insensitive as to make a remark like that.  You obviously don’t remember being 4 years old and being scared and knowing what to do about it.  Or being the mother of a 4 year old in that situation (and if you have then I’m even sadder). Misty is doing her job as a mom to do the best for her son.  Shame on you!  Would it have been so hard to just keep those thoughts in your head?  It took a lot of energy to post it on the board.

Blessings to all!

Tonia