Lately, it feels like the world has become a difficult place to navigate. With unsettling news about violence, political turmoil, and tragic animal encounters, my emotions have been on a roller coaster. My children have seen me consumed by articles, shedding tears over heartbreaking events, and attempting to engage in meaningful conversations about change.
Should our kids be shielded from the harsh realities of the world a little longer, or is it crucial for them to be prepared for the challenges they will inevitably face? I find myself torn. Typically, I try to filter information and avoid letting them believe that everything is sunshine and rainbows.
When they walk up to me and ask, “Why are you upset, Mom?” after catching me in a moment of sadness over the news, I often respond simply with, “Some people have died, and that makes me sad.”
What goes through my mind is far more complex: A gunman has entered a public space and taken lives; a child has been dragged into a river; students have gone to school and never returned home; why are weapons like automatic rifles so easily accessible? Where has our empathy gone? But I hold back those thoughts for now, knowing that they will be ready to understand when they are older. For the moment, they grasp that I am sad and that the world can be a dangerous place—and I think that’s sufficient for now.
Yet, there are moments when I break my own rules. Take this past weekend when we went camping beside a rushing river swollen from melting snow. In that instance, I decided to deliberately frighten my kids. I recounted cautionary tales of children and adults swept away by powerful currents. I shared all the details, breaking my usual approach of restraint.
When I finished, my youngest, looking up at me with wide eyes, asked, “Did those kids die?” I answered honestly, “Yes.” I knew this revelation would instill a deeper fear of the world in her, shaking her innocence, but I hoped it would also keep her safe by making her more aware. Sometimes, a healthy fear is necessary.
Despite our efforts to shield them, I suspect our children are more aware than we give them credit for. They’ve grown up participating in school drills for potential intruders, fastening their seat belts without a second thought, and living in a forest where they know how to respond to bear encounters. Now, my kids understand to shout if they see a friend moving toward that treacherous river. My daughter did just that.
We can only protect them so much. Sooner than we think, they will be the ones shaping laws and making significant decisions about their futures. I sincerely hope they will do better than the generations that came before them.
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In summary, allowing our children to witness how we handle life’s difficult moments is essential. While we may want to shield them from harsh realities, teaching them about the world’s complexities can prepare them for the future. As parents, we have the responsibility to foster awareness while also ensuring their safety.
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