A few days ago, my 6-year-old was reading about storms. He is incredibly fascinated with weather. Maybe it’s because it’s so powerful, something he can’t control. Whatever the reason, it’s been one of his interests for years.
He was sitting on the couch, a book in one hand and a DVD in the other. He announced to his 4-year-old sister (who was busy coloring; and did I mention she doesn’t care about weather?), “Did you know there’s a hurricane on Jupiter?”
Without even bothering to look up from her coloring book, said 4-year-old replied noncommittally, “Then I guess you shouldn’t go to Jupiter.” Well, there go the summer vacation plans!
That exchange served to remind me just how different my children are. On the one hand, we have our practical, down-to-earth boy, who loves non-fiction and embraces the world of facts and rational thinking. On the other, we have our imaginative girl, for whom a trip to the stars isn’t barred by time, distance, and the limitations of 21st century space travel but by inclement weather.
