In our household, we’ve made the conscious decision to avoid watching the news. My kids are blissfully unaware of celebrity gossip, crime reports, and the chaos of the world around them.
I remember when my grandmother said, “I’ll never forget where I was when I heard about Elvis.” Many people have similar memories about significant events like the deaths of John Lennon or Martin Luther King Jr. For me, the moments that left a mark were events like 9/11 and the Boston Marathon Bombings.
Growing up, my mother always had the TV on, filling our space with the familiar sounds of news anchors discussing weather updates and local happenings. Even now, I can recall catchy jingles from businesses that once graced our screens. Back then, we didn’t fear what might come across the screen; tragedy was less common.
By keeping the news off, I protect my children from the pervasive discussions about terrorism and violence. They don’t need to hear about Sandy Hook or the horrors happening in distant cities. They’re not ready to learn that there are people out there intent on causing harm. I want to give them time to grow and play freely without the weight of the world’s fears on their shoulders.
For now, they’re busy playing ninja games in the backyard, searching for fairies, and navigating the simple fears of childhood. The scariest thing for them might be a plate of my meatloaf or the smell of their dad’s feet after a long day. Monsters are a figment of their imagination, separate from the harsh realities of life.
As my children explore their fears, my partner and I guide them with lessons about courage and resilience. We do this in our own way, creating a buffer against the harshness of the world by keeping the news silent.
As a mother in today’s complicated world, my mission is to preserve my children’s innocence for as long as possible. I want them to revel in their imaginations without being burdened by thoughts of violence or tragedy.
Whenever I catch a glimpse of the news after the kids are asleep, I’m bombarded with stories of terrible events—school shootings, wars, and natural disasters. It can be overwhelming, making me question if we’re living in apocalyptic times.
While I can’t shield my children from every danger, I believe that not allowing the media’s distressing narratives into our home is a small step towards protecting their childhood. I know that one day, they will learn about the darker aspects of our world, and I want to be the one guiding that conversation. As they hear about tragic events from their friends or at school, I want them to feel safe coming to me with their questions. We need to have those crucial discussions without the sensationalism that often accompanies news stories.
There’s so much beauty and adventure out there to explore. As long as I can, I aim to keep the harsh realities of the world at bay to allow my children to enjoy their youth without fear.
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Summary
In our home, we avoid watching the news to shield our children from the negative aspects of the world, allowing them to enjoy their childhood innocence. While we know they will eventually learn about difficult topics, we want to control the narrative and provide a safe space for discussion. By keeping the news off, we focus on fostering their imagination and confidence.