In today’s tumultuous world, processing what unfolds around us can be quite a challenge. With stories of violence, political chaos, and heartbreaking accidents, my emotions have been all over the place. My kids have seen me reading, writing, and sometimes crying as I grapple with the weight of these events.
Should children be shielded from the world’s harsh realities a bit longer, or is it important for them to be prepared since they are part of it? I find myself torn. Typically, I try to filter the information they receive, ensuring they don’t grow up believing that everything is perfect.
When they ask, “Why are you sad, Mom?” as they notice my tears after reading yet another tragic news story, I usually respond with, “Some people died, and that makes me sad.”
What I’m really thinking: A gunman has taken innocent lives at a gathering. What I’m really thinking: A child was snatched away by an alligator. What I’m really thinking: Kids went to school and never returned home. What I’m really thinking: Why do people have access to such deadly weapons? What I’m really thinking: Where has our empathy gone? But those thoughts remain unspoken for now. Someday, when they’re older and can comprehend more, I’ll share the deeper truths. For now, they know that sadness exists and that the world can be unsafe.
However, there are moments when I break my own rules. Just last weekend, we went camping by a rushing river swollen from melting snow. I made a conscious choice to alarm my children about the dangers of rivers—sharing stories about kids and adults swept away by unpredictable currents. In that moment, I disregarded my usual caution and laid out all the details.
When I finished, my youngest, eyes wide and filled with fear, asked, “Did those kids die?” I nodded. I knew this would shake her innocence, but my hope was that her newfound fear would keep her safe, making her cautious around water when I couldn’t be right by her side.
Despite our best efforts to shield them, I believe our children are more aware than we think. They live in a world where they practice lockdown drills at school and buckle their seatbelts without a second thought. Mine, who roam the woods, know how to react when encountering wildlife, and now they also understand the importance of yelling if they see a friend near that dangerous river—just like my daughter did.
We can only protect our children up to a point. Soon enough, they will be the ones making decisions and shaping the laws that govern their world. I sincerely hope they can do better than we have in recent times.
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In summary, navigating the complexities of our world while raising children is a delicate balance. It’s essential to allow them to witness our processing of hard truths while also ensuring their safety and emotional well-being.