I follow Parents magazine on Facebook and after Monday's horrific events in Boston, they posted (a version of) this question: How do/would you talk to your children about a tragedy like this?
It got me thinking. Being a parent, at some point I'm going to have to answer the "Why?" questions my children will have. And I want to be prepared. I thought about it on my way home from work and the first thing I decided is that I will not solicit questions from them. I want to let them come to me with their questions about these types of situations. If it doesn't directly affect them, I find it unnecessary to bring it into their little world.
That being said, I know one day they will come to me and ask why people do bad things to other people. I want them to know I don't have the answer to that question. The only person who can answer it is the person doing the bad things. And even if that person gives a reason, it's likely no one else will understand.
People who do good, do it quietly. People who do bad, do it loudly for all to see. This is why the good doesn't make the news headlines every day.
For every bad guy, there are 10 good guys. I noticed in the pictures of Boston how many people were rushing to the scene, not away from it. That gave me comfort and I want my children to look for the good in every situation. As my favorite saying goes: Believe there is good in the world. Be the good.
Help. If any of my children are put in a situation like what happened in Boston and they are not hurt but others around them are, I want them to stay and help (obviously only if their life isn't in danger by staying). Sit with a victim and talk to them. Tell them help is coming. Hug them. Hold their hand. Give them comfort. Get them somewhere they can receive medical attention. DO ANYTHING. Even the smallest act of kindness means the world to someone who is hurt.
Most importantly, I don't want my children to live in fear of the world or of others.
No comments:
Post a Comment