As I adjust the radio in my car, turning down the volume of the calm NPR announcer, I’m struck by the contrast of a beautiful fall morning unfolding outside my window and the unsettling news report detailing the plight of countless refugees fleeing violence in Syria. The serenity of my sleeping daughter in the back seat sits at odds with the harsh realities of a world filled with suffering. In that moment, I can’t help but wonder: why did I choose to bring a child into such a complicated world?
As a middle-class family, we enjoy a certain privilege that can lead to indifference toward the harsh realities of life—hunger, poverty, and violence. With the hustle of work, relationships, and everyday challenges, it’s all too easy to get lost in our own little bubbles. I can easily ignore the news or scroll past troubling posts on social media, allowing myself to remain blissfully unaware. But I know that beyond my role as a mom, I have a responsibility to be aware and compassionate about the struggles that others face.
It’s not just about setting a good example for my daughter; it feels fundamentally wrong to numb myself to the pain of those around us. I want to be conscious and engaged with the world, recognizing the suffering caused by racism, homelessness, and violence. Yet, I often grapple with how to communicate these heavy topics to my little one. There’s an instinct to shield her from the world’s harshness, as well as a temptation to suppress my feelings and allow injustices to remain unchallenged.
However, as a parent, my duty is not to hide the truth from her but to equip her with the tools to understand and navigate the complexities of life. While I can’t devote my life to peacekeeping, I can instill values of kindness and empathy in our family. I can have open conversations about violence and oppression, listening to her thoughts and feelings without pretending to have all the answers. I may not always be her best friend, but I will be there to help her process the challenges of life.
At just 2 years old, my daughter doesn’t yet grasp the questions that weigh on my heart. She doesn’t wonder why she was born into comfort while others face chaos. She’s not yet aware of the systemic injustices that permeate our world, nor does she feel the anxiety that accompanies the search for solutions to make things better.
However, I hope that someday, she will feel a genuine concern for the struggles of others, and even if it costs her some comfort, I trust she will choose to act in ways that promote compassion and change.
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In summary, teaching our children about suffering and empathy is essential. We must guide them to understand the world’s complexities and encourage them to act with kindness and compassion toward others.