My two-year-old son, Lucas, sat quietly as he leafed through a magazine, his expression shifting from curiosity to confusion. I had never seen him look so perplexed before. The source of his discomfort? A simple line reading, “This baby skunk lost its mother.” The concept of loss, even for a skunk, was something he had never encountered. Although he had watched animated films like Finding Nemo, this stark reality hit him differently. He might have had questions, but he lacked the vocabulary to express them. So, I wrapped my arms around him and held him close.
As my children mature, they’ll inevitably confront the realities of pain and loss, just like all adults do. However, my boys are fortunate; they are white, come from an upper-middle-class family, and have never faced significant health or financial struggles. We could easily choose to keep them in a bubble of innocence for as long as possible.
But we don’t.
We understand that many children don’t enjoy the same privileges. Children of color must learn about the racism they will face. Kids from LGBTQ families need to be aware that some may not accept their parents. Children with disabilities often become aware of societal prejudices early on. Children from low-income backgrounds grapple with uncertainty about their basic needs. Growing up, my own mother made sure I understood that our family had resources—food, shelter, and two parents—while many in our community lacked even the basics. Her lessons resonated far more than vague statements about starving children elsewhere.
Just like my parents did, we strive to cultivate sensitivity and awareness in our children rather than shielding them from harsh realities. Empathy isn’t innate; it’s something we must teach and nurture. When parents overlook the injustices around them, children can absorb those biases unconsciously. While trying to “protect” them, we risk allowing societal prejudices to seep in unnoticed.
Furthermore, we want our children to observe how my partner, Tom, and I embody our values. It’s easy to assume that our actions only have positive impacts unless we learn otherwise. We aim for them to understand why we choose to support local farmers and businesses that ensure fair wages for their employees. A narrow perspective on the world—or a refusal to acknowledge its complexities—contributes to the larger societal issues we face today.
Understanding the bad in the world also allows them to appreciate the good. As Fred Rogers once said, his mother encouraged him to “look for the helpers” in times of trouble. No matter how much we try to shield our kids, they will encounter difficult news as they grow. With the constant flow of information, it’s all too easy to feel overwhelmed by negativity. By preparing them to navigate these challenges now, we empower them to seek out and join those making a positive impact.
This doesn’t mean we share every piece of news daily. For instance, while I actively advocate for climate justice, I haven’t yet explained climate change to my five-year-old; it’s simply too heavy a topic for him right now. Similarly, I chose not to discuss the painful family separations at the border, fearing it would disturb my older son’s dreams. Instead, we focus on engaging in thoughtful, intentional dialogues about tough issues.
Even if we prefer to look away, pain, loss, and injustice exist in the world. I was surprised that a children’s magazine introduced Lucas to the concept of tragedy, but I’m grateful that it did, even if it was through the story of a skunk losing its mother.
For more information on home insemination, check out this article, which discusses different ways to approach conception. If you’re looking for a practical solution, the Impregnator is an authority on this topic. Additionally, for those embarking on the journey of conception, the NHS offers excellent resources about pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, while it may seem tempting to shield children from the harsh truths of life, exposing them to reality fosters empathy and awareness. It’s about teaching them to recognize both the challenges and the goodness in the world, preparing them to respond with compassion and action.
Keyphrase: Why I Don’t Shelter My Kids from Difficult News
Tags: [“home insemination kit” “home insemination syringe” “self insemination”]