In our household, we deliberately refrain from watching the news. Our children remain blissfully unaware of advertisements, celebrity controversies, local criminal activities, and acts of terrorism.
I often recall the words of my grandmother, who said, “I’ll never forget where I was when I learned about Elvis’s passing.” Others have expressed similar sentiments about figures like John Lennon and Martin Luther King Jr. For me, the haunting memories of 9/11, the Boston Marathon bombings, and the Paris attacks are etched in my mind.
As a child, my mother kept the television on constantly, providing a backdrop of news updates and community announcements. Nearly three decades later, I can still recite catchy jingles from local businesses that I absorbed during those vibrant days. Back then, we didn’t fear what we might see on our screens because tragedies were not yet a frequent occurrence.
By opting out of news broadcasts, I actively shield my children from national discussions surrounding terrorism and gun violence. They do not need to hear about tragic events like Sandy Hook or the Paris attacks. They are not yet ready to confront the reality that dangerous individuals exist who wish to harm us. They also don’t need to understand that, when they grow older, they can enlist in the military to combat these threats abroad.
Eventually, they will learn about these harsh realities. Until then, I strive to keep these truths at bay. For now, they delight in playing ninja games in the backyard and searching for fairies in the woods. Their greatest fears revolve around my meatloaf or the smell of their dad’s feet after a long day. To them, darkness is filled with unknown possibilities; monsters are merely figments of their imagination, detached from reality.
While my children learn to navigate their fears, my partner and I help them build resilience through lessons on confidence, bravery, and perseverance. We do this on our terms, maintaining a buffer of silence from the television and radio to protect their innocence from the harsh realities of the world.
As a parent in this complicated modern landscape, it is my responsibility to preserve my children’s childhood for as long as possible. I want them to explore their imaginations, which currently do not include thoughts of gun-wielding extremists or anxieties about school shootings.
Every time I turn on the local or national news after the kids are asleep, I am bombarded with reports of people committing horrifying acts against one another. From tragic school shootings to the devastation of war, and even the heartbreaking images of refugee children, the news can be overwhelming. It often leaves me to wonder if we are witnessing the end times.
There is only so much I can do to safeguard my children’s innocence from the uncontrollable dangers of the world. Keeping the news off in our home seems like a simple yet effective first step.
However, I know that at some point, my children will inevitably learn about the grim realities we face. I want to be the one to address these issues with them. As they hear about events like the Paris attacks from their peers, they may come home with questions about violence and the frightening tragedies occurring beyond their innocent world of PBS and bedtime stories. Despite my efforts, I know I cannot shield them from the harsh truths forever.
When they approach me with fears inspired by what they hear about violence, I want them to feel comfortable asking questions. I aim for our family discussions to avoid the sensationalized narratives that typically accompany news reports. Just as we discuss sensitive topics like sexuality and faith, we must also be the ones to explain the realities of domestic and foreign terrorism.
There is immense beauty in the world, with countless adventures to experience and lessons to learn. While I can, I wish to limit the weight of the world’s troubles on my children’s shoulders, allowing them to be fearless kids for just a little while longer.
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In summary, our choice to refrain from news consumption is a conscious effort to protect our children’s innocence and allow them to experience the joy of childhood without the burdens of adult fears. As they grow, we will guide them through the difficult topics of our times, fostering open dialogue and understanding in a safe environment.