Explaining tragedy to our children

As numerous tragic events keep unfolding around the world, I have been spending some time trying to wrap my mind around life as we know it. While I hold tight to my family and friends, I can’t help but think about all those that are suffering from such unthinkable acts of violence. For a good part of my life, I would ignore pain because the reality seemed far to painful. What I’ve learned though, is that it’s in these times of hardship that we grow and are forced to become less surface and more deep. Surely we can avoid crowded places and live in fear of the next tragedy striking, but life is too short for that. We do the best we can with the cards we are dealt…so is life.

clip: Aidie’s Hideaway

As the news unfolded last Monday afternoon, I couldn’t help but think about all the little’s sitting beside their parents watching the media coverage go down. Generally speaking, I am very aware of the media influence within my home. I keep up with current events online so that Landyn gets no glimpse of the ugliness going on in the world. In no way am I trying to shelter her from reality, but I do feel there is a fine line with tragedy and children. While it’s my responsibility to protect the mind of my child, I always want to give them the tools to deal with their fears and hardships.

My child is three. She has no idea what death means or the meaning of tragedy. She knows an ambulance siren means someone is hurt, police cars keep people safe, and we have loved ones in heaven. And I choose to keep it that way until she asks. When she’s ready I will absolutely give her my most appropriate response for the situation at hand.

I know this topic is in my future. In the mean time I will educate myself on these hard topics we as parents face. I will continue to teach my daughter to be grateful for every day and have compassion for others. I will encourage her to vocalize her fears and never be afraid to ask questions. Tragedy is real. It’s teaching our children how to deal with these emotions that will make all the difference.

I would love to hear from all you seasoned parents. How do you handle fears, tragedy, and hardship when it comes to your children?

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Today I am clinging to all things happy… a peak at our weekend in Dana Point, CA.