Why We Skip the News in Our Home

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We’ve made a conscious choice not to watch the news in our house. My kids are blissfully ignorant of commercials, celebrity gossip, local crime, and even global threats. I remember my grandmother saying, “I’ll never forget where I was when I heard Elvis died,” and I’ve heard similar sentiments about various historical events. For me, the memories that are etched in my mind revolve around 9/11, the Boston Marathon Bombings, and other tragic moments.

Growing up, my mom always had the TV on, filling our home with weather updates and community announcements. Even now, I can recall local jingles from those simpler days. Back then, we didn’t worry about the news because tragedy seemed rare.

By keeping the news off, I’m intentionally shielding my children from discussions about terrorism and gun violence. They don’t need to know about Sandy Hook or other grim realities. For now, they can enjoy the simple joys of playing ninja games in the backyard and searching for fairies in the woods. Their biggest fears are silly things like my meatloaf or the smell of their dad’s feet after a long day. Monsters are just figments of their imagination, far removed from the harsh realities of the world.

As parents, my husband and I are focused on building their confidence and courage, helping them face their fears on their own terms. We want to keep their childhood intact for as long as possible, allowing them to dream and explore without being burdened by the weight of the world.

Whenever I do watch the news—always after the kids are asleep—I’m bombarded with distressing stories: school shootings, war, refugees, and corrupt politicians. It’s enough to make anyone question the state of the world.

While I know I can only do so much to protect their innocence, not letting the media invade our home feels like a good start. However, I recognize that there will come a time when my children will inevitably learn about the darker side of life. When that moment arrives, I want to be the one guiding them through those conversations, rather than letting the news dictate their fears.

I aim to foster an open dialogue where they can ask about the troubling things they might hear from friends—all without the sensationalism that often accompanies news coverage. Just as we have difficult discussions about other sensitive topics, we’ll tackle the realities of violence and fear together as a family.

There’s so much beauty in the world, so many adventures waiting to be had. For now, I want to keep the burdens of reality at bay so they can enjoy being kids for just a little longer. If you’re curious about other parenting topics, check out this informative post on home insemination and consider looking into this great resource for insights on pregnancy and home insemination.

To sum it up, we choose to create a safe space for our children, allowing them to grow and explore their imaginations free from the heavy realities of the world, at least for now.