In our household, we have decided to forgo watching the news. My children live in a bubble, blissfully unaware of commercials, celebrity dramas, local crime incidents, or the threats that loom in the world.
I remember my grandmother’s words: “I’ll never forget where I was when I heard about Elvis’ death.” Others share similar sentiments about the passing of notable figures or the closure of beloved institutions. For me, the moments that left me shocked and heartbroken were events like 9/11, the Boston Marathon Bombings, and the Paris attacks.
Growing up, my mother kept the television on as a constant source of background noise. There was always a news anchor sharing weather forecasts or listing community happenings. Even decades later, I can still hum jingles from local businesses that played during those simpler times. Back then, we had little fear of what might appear on the screen because tragedies weren’t as common as they are today.
By choosing not to expose my children to the news, I am consciously shielding them from the national dialogues surrounding terrorism and gun violence. They don’t need to hear about Sandy Hook or the horrors of Paris. They certainly don’t need to know that, when they grow up, they might enlist in the military to combat these frightening realities.
Those conversations can wait. For now, my children are free to play ninja games in the backyard and hunt for fairies in the woods. The most terrifying thing in their world is my meatloaf or the smell of their dad’s shoes after a long day. Their fear of the dark is rooted in the unknown, where monsters are mere figments of imagination.
Fear is something they are gradually learning to navigate. As they explore their anxieties, my partner and I support them by instilling confidence, bravery, and resilience. We do this on our own terms, relying on the quietness of our living room to protect their innocence from the harsh truths of the world.
As a parent in today’s chaotic society, my mission is to preserve my children’s childhood for as long as possible. I want them to roam freely in a world where their imaginations thrive, free from the shadows of gun-toting extremists or the anxiety of school shootings.
Whenever I do turn on the news after the kids are asleep, I’m met with a barrage of distressing stories: deadly school shootings, wars, the tragedy of drowned refugees, corrupt politicians, and entire communities devastated by wildfires. It’s enough to make anyone question if we are living in end times.
Though there’s only so much I can do to safeguard my kids from the harsh realities I cannot control, limiting their exposure to sensational news feels like a manageable first step.
I know that one day, they will learn about the world’s atrocities—there’s no escaping that. When that time comes, I want to be the one guiding them through these discussions. While other kids may talk about the Paris attacks or their parents serving in war zones, I want my children to come to me with their questions about the frightening events they hear. I aim to create an open dialogue, free from the fear-mongering often found in the news.
In the same way we approach talks about sex and religion, discussions about domestic and foreign terrorism must come from us, the parents, not a screen. There are so many wonderful people and experiences waiting for them; I want to protect them from the world’s pain for as long as I can.
In summary, we choose to keep the news off in our house so our children can maintain their innocence a little longer. It’s a small step, but one that allows them to be fearless kids in a world filled with uncertainty.
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