We are living in scary times, that's reality. Not only do I have to be smart and cautious when out and about, I have an overwhelming responsibility to teach my kids basic safety rules. Even though we drill safety rules into them regarding strangers, school/bully situations and internet use, you always wonder if they really get it. Do they really understand that you can't trust strangers no matter how nice they may seem?
Last week a couple of my kids were put in the situation where they had to recall what they've been taught when a stranger offered them a ride. It was quite unsettling to say the least and even though she was probably well intentioned and seemingly non-threatening, she violated the stranger code of ethics. Thankfully, Steve was right behind them and was able to use a real life experience as another teachable moment (and thankfully they remembered the rule).
Today, while volunteering in my son's class I was faced with another harsh reality of the times we live in. When I grew up we had regular fire drills in school. They served as a way of being prepared in the event of an emergency. Now, not only do my kids have fire drills, they also have 'lock down drills'. The teacher had all 20 7 yr olds quiet and captivated as she educated them on what we would do if a 'bad guy' posed a threat around the school. She went through the whole routine with them and then practised their positions and such. Guns and violence were openly talked about.
I left feeling a little queasy. Later, my son told me he was freaked-out and afraid.
I don't know of anyone who thinks about these things while planning, starting and raising young families. We hold our babies and they are so precious, and innocent and fun and life is just perfect. Then the time comes for them to go off to school which is a mix of excitement, sadness and fear all wrapped up together.
Parents now (when kids are school-aged) live with the fact that the majority of our child's waking hours are spent in someone else's care being influenced by several different people. Many good, and many more not so good.
Even though these are realities, I persoanlly can't live life in fear. I choose not to fear every danger that lurks around the corner. I have to do my part and cover them in prayer and then trust God for the rest. Giving birth is a breeze next to parenting. My biggest fear is not the danger they face, but my inadequate, messy attempt at parenting.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
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5 comments:
Wow, lots of things to think about. Mine are not school aged yet, but one will be off to Jr. Kindergarten next year and it is scary to have them "out in this society of ours."
Wow, lock down drills?! That would seem so scary!
i wasn't happy when my kids school started these lock down drills, but in the past year, the school has had actual lock downs, not drills, so i guess looking at the big picture, it's a good thing there are drills, get them used to the idea. it is a scary place that we are now living in.
It is odd to me that I had to read this post sveral different times before I could comment. The title alone made the hairs on my arm stand up. It is so true that the responsibility/pressure/need to teach our kids tho "face reality withiout living in fear" is a huge responsibility.
It scares me to think of not teaching my children these things, yet it also scares me to teach them these things.
A friend of mine teaches grade one and was telling me hjow they practice lock down drills just as often as fire drills.
My heart sinks to think that this is jus "part of life" now.
Thank you for this post and seeing another mother see reality as necisary but scary.
Love to you and your family!
Leslie, What a chilling post. that freaks me right out... I am like you.. Even with where I work I still want my kids to be innocent and not be afraid of every face they do not know. So far so good (Thank God!!! )
Peggy
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