A Virginia mother believed her daughter was settling down for a typical bedtime when the 4-year-old quietly expressed that she felt “sad.” What followed, however, was not the sort of sadness most parents anticipate from young children—it wasn’t about sharing toys, departing from daycare, or a frightening dream.
“She was sad about Pompeii,” Laney Morello, a mother of four, shared with Newsweek. “She’s been feeling this way ever since learning about it, and she brings it up around twice a week.”
Laney, who documents her family life on Instagram @hellomorellos, had taken her children to Busch Gardens, where they experienced the ride Escape from Pompeii. While for many kids it’s just a fun attraction, for Frankie, it ignited significant thoughts about history—and humanity.
“I felt proud of her empathy!” Laney remarked. “Naturally, I wish to shield her innocence and protect her from sad realities, but I also recognize that she’s discovering her place in the world, which begins even at her tender age of 4.”
**Why this moment matters for parents**
Bedtime check-ins are a cherished tradition in the Morello home. Laney and her husband have maintained this routine since their children were infants, transitioning from narrating the day to listening as the kids express their own feelings.
Laney’s approach is straightforward: foster honesty and presence. “Her dad and I firmly believe in parenting transparently and do our best to provide age-appropriate responses to our children’s inquiries,” she elaborated.
Her post resonated widely on social media, eliciting responses from parents and history enthusiasts alike:
@alainebfield: “Ohh, she’s a history girly 💖” (23.8K likes)
@pink.zaddyyy: “Her first ‘Roman Empire’ omggg” (7.2K likes)
@bookofsquatch: “Just wait until she learns about the library of Alexandria.” (439 likes)
In a lighthearted nod to motherhood, Laney humorously captioned her video: “any tips for helping toddlers cope with mass tragedies that happened in 79AD?🥺 my sweet little empath.”
**The bigger takeaway**
While Pompeii might not be the usual source of preschool angst, Laney views it as a testament to her daughter’s developing sense of empathy. “Be present with your kids,” she told Newsweek. “Provide them a safe environment to express and communicate their emotions.”
For mothers, this serves as a reminder that even the most unexpected late-night revelations present opportunities to connect, listen, and help children navigate the complicated terrain of profound emotions—even when those feelings are tied to a historical volcanic eruption.
Related: 6 strategies to help your small child process their big feelings
