As I gently adjust the steering wheel, I mute the radio, silencing the calm, measured tones of the news anchor. Outside, a radiant sunrise reveals a picture-perfect autumn morning, and I catch a glimpse of my son peacefully sleeping in the backseat. Yet, the disconnect between this tranquil scene and the chilling report on countless refugees fleeing conflict in Syria weighs heavily on my mind. Despite the quiet in the car, my thoughts spiral into a familiar, troubling question: Why did I choose to bring a child into such a chaotic world?
As a white, middle-class family, we enjoy the privilege of distance from the harsh realities of violence and hardship. We have been largely shielded from the struggles of poverty, hunger, and war. My days are often consumed by work, maintaining my marriage, managing friendships, and navigating the ups and downs of parenting, leaving little room for empathy toward the broader human experience. It’s all too easy to retreat into a bubble of ignorance, avoiding the news and social media. However, I cannot ignore the reality that surrounds me. Whether I am at my job in a low-income school or listening to devastating news reports, I feel compelled to acknowledge the suffering happening around the globe.
It’s not merely about setting a strong example for my child; it’s about recognizing that numbing myself to others’ pain is inherently wrong. From my own neighborhood to distant corners of the world, I refuse to ignore the suffering caused by racism, homelessness, violence, and various forms of injustice. I grapple with how to discuss these complex issues with my son. My instinct is to protect him, to shield him from the darker aspects of life, while also resisting the urge to dismiss the uncomfortable truths that exist.
As a parent, my role is not to keep my child ignorant of these realities but to help him navigate them with insight and compassion. I must foster a loving environment where he understands that he has the power to effect change. While I may not be able to join a peacekeeping mission, I can guide my family in showing kindness and compassion to those around us. I can engage my son in conversations about violence and oppression, listening to his queries and feelings without pretending to have all the answers. I may not always be the funny, carefree parent, but I will be there to support him as he grapples with life’s complexities.
At just two years old, my son doesn’t yet comprehend the weight of my concerns. He’s unaware of the privilege of being born in a stable country while others face chaos. He doesn’t wrestle with the implications of systemic inequalities or the contradictions of those who claim to support life while advocating for violence. Unlike me, he isn’t burdened by the uncertainty of how to create a better world.
I hope that, in time, my son will develop a profound empathy for others, even if it challenges his comfort. I wish for him to recognize the importance of standing up against injustice, no matter the personal cost.
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Summary:
This article reflects on the challenges of parenting in a world filled with suffering and injustice, emphasizing the importance of nurturing empathy and awareness in children. It encourages parents to engage in open conversations about difficult topics while fostering a sense of compassion and responsibility in their children.