Helping

Rain has devestated a lot of Australia lately. There have been numerous deaths in Queensland and the recent rain in Victoria brought the concept home for Alexander. The papers and the TV has been full of it and as an adult it is overwhelming, not to mention the effect it has on a 7 year old.

He was having nightmares and was constantly worried about rain and flooding, and unhappy to be without me. Initially I was trying to shield him from the coverage, but when this wasn't helping I decided we needed to talk about it.

We talked about how he was feeling - but he is a boy and I think they all struggle putting that into words, so we started to talk about what had happened. What people did and what they were doing now. We talked about it from his perspective. No bedroom, no toys, no books, clothes. All wet, muddied or literally washed away. It was only when we spoke like this did he really get it. The fear was subsiding and he really wanted to help.

We brainstormed different ways to help. We are not nearby so cant physically help- people were charging mobiles, putting people up, etc. We internet surfed- we had clothes we could donate but due to a number of reasons they are not wanted. We could donate money, but we wanted to do more than throw money at the government. He wanted to really help. As the school year had just begun there were sites where you could sponsor a family and pay for their school books etc. They were also taking donations of stationery and the like. We liked this option but had already missed out.

Alexander has now set aside some money to donate to the Premiers Flood Appeal, but he is also looking to rally his classmates together to see if they can do something together. His teacher is on board with this as they are currently learning area is community.

I am just so proud to have an opportunity to see this little boy in action and pure good coming from him. It seems to have helped the nightmares as he has something positive to focus on.