Had a total brain freeze when a kid asked me how clouds stay up yesterday

I was at the park in Springfield, just doing my thing, and this little girl, maybe 7, pointed up and asked me that. I completely blanked. I know the basics about water vapor and air pressure, but I couldn't put it into simple words for her. I ended up saying something like 'they're just really light' and felt like an idiot. I looked it up later and found a good explanation about tiny water droplets and rising air. Has anyone else had a simple question stump them like that? What's your go-to move when you don't know an answer on the spot?

3 comments

3 Comments

jamesc792d ago

Guess you could say your mind was in the clouds too.

kai8392d ago

Honestly that happens to everyone, not just with kids. We carry all this info in our heads but explaining it simply is a whole different skill. My go-to is to just admit I don't know the full answer but we can look it up together. It turns a moment of not knowing into a shared thing, you know? What did the little girl say after you gave your answer?

caseywalker2d ago

Wait, you actually look stuff up together? That's way better than my usual move. I just panic and give some half answer that probably confuses them more. Makes me feel like a fraud every time. Honestly, I should try your way because it sounds less stressful for everyone. Turning it into a team effort is pretty smart.