It seems that spring has sprung here in the Ozarks!

Daffodils and dogwoods are in full bloom, the grass and trees have returned to their lively green selves, and a buzz down any road out of city limits will likely show you new spring calves and lambs at their mothers’ sides.

As warm and enjoyable as the weather has been, as a born and bred Missourian, I know that the sweet spring weather can quickly turn sour. Sunglasses and shorts can quickly be traded for duffle coats and gloves, or rain slickers and galoshes.

The weather in Missouri is ever-changing, keeping everyone on their toes. To say our weather pattern often has mood swings would be an understatement. Last week, as I was turning on heat lamps and laying down new bedding in my kennel, I couldn’t help but think about how just 24 hours prior, I had taken my Irish Setter on a swim in Flat Creek. It made me think, at times our weather can be just like our children — unpredictable.

Does this scenario sound familiar? The perfect family outing is planned; a trip to the zoo, a favorite place to swim, or maybe a barbecue. It’s all planned down to the T. You have your extra wipes, extra snacks, extra clothes, sunscreen, wagon — the whole nine yards.

You have taken EVERYTHING into consideration. Or so you thought. Then, all at once, your child appears with a rain cloud over their head so big you can almost hear the thunder, and no umbrella of actions or poncho of praise can swirl the storm away.

It’s hard as an adult to not get overwhelmed or feel jilted in this situation. It may feel like your child is doing this to punish you or is unappreciative of the time and effort you went to plan something for them. It may be tempting to remind the child how hard you worked for everything to be perfect for the day, and while at the moment it may make you feel better, the response from your child may often leave you with a storm brewing over your own head, potentially starting a monsoon for all involved, leaving you all emotionally flooded.

Unlike our Missouri weather, no meteorologist is chiming in about what the climate of your child is going to be that day. You can ask Siri, Alexa, or even check the Farmers Almanac, but none of them are going to accurately prepare you for how your child may behave that day, or even that hour.

And, as frustrating as it can be when this happens, try to meet your kiddo where they’re at. When you’re in this scenario, the approach is everything. It’s possible they may not know why they feel the way they do. Additionally, they may be tired, anxious, or the anticipation of an event they are excited about can also have an adverse effect.

Try talking with the child, allowing time and open-ended conversations. Trying to fast-forward the process to find the issue, navigate it and mitigate it can often be overwhelming for a child. While it is okay to talk about how this setback may be affecting everyone else’s experience, it is also important to not make your child feel guilt or shame for their feelings.

Chances are your child already feels upset that they are unable to enjoy the experience you have prepared for them, and don’t need any help feeling that way. While children are small, they are not inept, and while they may not always have a tight tailholt on their feelings, it doesn’t mean they don’t feel them.

After taking this approach, hopefully, the child will open up to you about what’s going on, and how it can be remedied. Oftentimes, a conversation and a hug may be all that’s needed to send the rain cloud packing and to welcome in the sun.

Next time the perfectly planned day is met with a storm delay, remember not to take it personally, because chances are, the feelings aren’t personal. You just happen to be the individual standing in the path of the storm.

Have a seat, have a conversation, and then proceed to have a great day with your tiny tornado. Just make sure you have your metaphorical umbrella ready for the next go around.

Drake Thomas is a behavior intervention specialist at the Cassville school district and is a Cassville High School graduate. He may be reached at dthomas@cassville.k12. mo.us.

“You have taken EVERYTHING into consideration.

Or so you thought.

Then, all at once, your child appears with a rain cloud over their head so big you can almost hear the thunder, and no umbrella of actions or poncho of praise can swirl the storm away.”