In our household, we abstain from watching the news. My children remain blissfully unaware of commercials, celebrity gossip, localized crime waves, and global terrorism.
I remember my grandfather saying, “I’ll always remember where I was when I heard about the moon landing.” Others recount similar experiences regarding monumental events like the fall of the Berlin Wall or the tragic passing of influential figures. For me, the defining moments of my life are the September 11 attacks, the Boston Marathon Bombings, and the recent tragedies in Paris.
As a child, my mother kept the television on, providing a constant backdrop of news and weather updates. Nearly three decades later, I can still recall catchy jingles from local businesses during those days of vibrant colors and antennae. Back then, we didn’t worry about the horrors that might come through the screen; tragedy was far less frequent.
By choosing not to broadcast the news, I am consciously shielding my children from national discussions surrounding terrorism and gun violence. They do not need to be aware of Sandy Hook or the Paris attacks. They are not yet ready to understand that there are men out there who wish to harm us, nor do they need to know that joining the military may one day be their option to combat these threats.
In due time, these realities will come to light. Until then, I will do my utmost to delay those harsh truths from infiltrating their innocent world. For now, they engage in ninja adventures in the backyard and search for fairies in the woods. To them, the most terrifying thing is my meatloaf or the unpleasant aroma of their father’s feet after a long day. Their fears of the dark are rooted in the unknown, and monsters remain a figment of their imagination, not a reflection of reality.
Fear is something they are gradually learning about. As they navigate their anxieties, my husband and I provide a foundation of confidence, courage, and resilience. We teach these lessons on our own terms, with the silence of the television and radio acting as a protective barrier against the harsh realities lurking in the news.
My role as a mother in this chaotic world is to preserve my children’s childhood for as long as possible. I want them to roam freely and let their imaginations flourish without being burdened by thoughts of violence or terror.
Whenever I do turn on the news, usually after the children are asleep, I am confronted with a barrage of horrific events: deadly shootings, war zones, drowned refugees, corrupt politicians, and devastating wildfires. It often feels like we are witnessing the end times.
There is only so much I can do to safeguard my children’s innocence from the dangers lurking outside our door. Keeping the news off seems like a small yet significant step in that direction. However, I know that eventually, they will encounter the realities of the world—this is unavoidable. I want to be the one to guide them through these discussions.
When children at school talk about the Paris attacks or the experiences of their parents in conflict zones, my kids will inevitably hear about these tragedies. They will come home with questions about guns and the violence that can occur in schools or public places. While I cannot fully shield them from these conversations, I can create an environment where they feel safe to ask me anything and discuss these topics without the sensationalism that often accompanies media coverage.
Just as we approach sensitive topics like sex and religion, the discussions around domestic and foreign terrorism should come from us—parents and guardians—rather than a screen. There are countless beautiful experiences and lessons awaiting them. For now, I aim to minimize the weight of the world on their shoulders, allowing them to embrace their childhood while they still can.
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In summary, our family has chosen to limit exposure to the news to protect our children’s innocence and allow them to enjoy their childhood. We understand that difficult conversations are inevitable, and we want to be the ones guiding our children through those discussions with care and love.
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