I have a strong opinion about how much my children need to know. I believe I have a moral obligation to protect my kids as long as I possibly can. That means my kids (age 5, 8, 11) don't watch TV news, don't see the newspaper headlines and are not involved in matters that only adults can fix.
I told them only the bare minimum about 9/11 and nothing about the sniper. If I were in your region, it would be very difficult to keep them nieve, mostly because everyone else would be talking about it. But, I would not tell them the truth, just a tiny bit that would explain, in terms they can grasp, about the "bad guy" who is scaring people so they are staying inside until the police men catch him. I would NEVER admit to my kids that I was scared. Dad and I are their only protectors. If I am scared, their security is gone. As hard as it is to stay upbeat in their presence, I believe it is my most important job. It's a rash stance, but I think kids who have anxiety over world events (i.e. 9/11) have irresponsible parents. My husband recently spent 2 nights in the hospital. My kids never really knew, even tho this is a very hands-on dad. It's just not a problem that they can control.
Some people think my approach is nuts, but I refuse to introduce uncontrollable fear into their lives.
My favorite parenting movie - "Life is Beautiful". Rent it in Italian - talk about protecting your children!...
Hi Maggie,
I agree, the truth is golden in this case. We live 20 miles from Columbine and it was really scary hearing the next school on this list was the high school less than a block fom our school and three blocks from our former apartment! We had three security guards the school hired (the police were swamped!).
I told my daughter that I was scared and wasn't sure what will happen but those guys in the uniforms will keep us safe and I will do all I can to keep you safe. We both agreed there was no place like Des Moines!
Keep safe.....
:cool:
I would tell her the truth. Just don't go into great detail unless she continues to prod you for more information. I'm sure she knows that there are bad people out there. (especially with what happened last year) Reinforce to her that you will protect her. I think that's all she wants to know. Good luck and BE CAREFUL!
Hi guys, we live roughly 30 minutes from montgomery county, md where the sniper attacks started last week. I grew up there and my parents still live there. Before this morning, it was scary but now it's worse. This time the sniper (not that the police have confirmed that this attack is related to the others) shot a 13yr old going into school in Bowie, md. Needless to say, outdoor activities were cancelled at all schools (recess, lunch, field trips, etc). I drove by the school this afternoon and they had a cop sitting by the entrance to the school. Basically, to make a long story short... my child isn't stupid, she's going to know that something is going on. She's too old to fall for the "it's too hot outside for recess today" line and you couldn't miss the cop outside. What do I tell her? Thanks, maggie
