I found myself in tears at my son’s preschool graduation. It may seem trivial, especially since I didn’t cry on my wedding day or when he was born. But this moment hit differently. It signified that my little boy is growing up and moving on from the comforting environment of preschool, which I will genuinely miss. More than that, it means I’m about to enter a new reality—a reality I can’t escape.
This new reality doesn’t discriminate based on income or beliefs; it’s the unsettling “Will my child be safe at school?” reality. It’s a heavy burden to bear. Sending kids to kindergarten is already filled with anxiety: Will they make friends? Will their teacher be kind? Can they stay focused for the whole day without losing their little minds? But now, a new fear looms large: Will they come home safe?
Every morning at drop-off, I find myself wondering if it will be the last goodbye I share with my five-year-old, or if I will be sending him off to face a threat that is all too real.
Even without the horror of experiencing a school shooting, we must grapple with the psychological toll of lockdown drills on our children. My lively, sweet boy will soon be learning to hide under his desk and remain silent. Perhaps he’ll even receive a lollipop to keep him quiet. Or, even more disturbing, he might be taught how to respond to an intruder with aggression.
He’s just five years old, captivated by orca whales and dreaming of becoming a park ranger. Yet, he is expected to practice responses for a situation that no child should ever have to face, where someone with a gun might invade his classroom.
I understand that statistically, the chances of my child facing such horrors are slim. But this isn’t just about my child; it’s about the collective risk our children face, simply so a small segment of the population can safeguard their gun rights. Living in Denver, I am acutely aware that our metro area has one of the highest rates of school shootings compared to other major cities in the United States.
Earlier this year, schools across the Denver area were locked down for a massive manhunt. It was then that I briefly considered homeschooling, though I quickly realized that unless my son wants to study only the nuances of British monarchy through period dramas, that’s not a viable option. I would be a terrible homeschool teacher; I can’t emphasize that enough. Yet, the thought feels necessary to entertain.
So here’s where I find myself: I am expected to compromise my son’s safety and my own peace of mind. Meanwhile, what about those who own guns? Polls indicate that many Americans favor stricter gun regulations. Yet, lawmakers, particularly those aligned with the Republican party, seem to prioritize donations from organizations like the NRA over the safety of our children.
For example, Senator Mike Johnson, my own representative, has accepted nearly $4 million from the NRA since taking office. In that time, there have been 131 deaths linked to school shootings. It makes me wonder what the price tag is on a child’s life when weighed against political donations.
Perhaps if Senator Johnson could provide a timeline for action—like a number of children killed before he would act—I would feel a glimmer of hope. But then again, maybe not.
I’m not here to solve the school shooting crisis in one article; it would take several. But it is unacceptable that we live in a society where children are sent off to learn in environments where their safety is not guaranteed. It is tragic that we expect teachers to act as shields, and it is disgraceful that those in power remain inactive.
So, welcome to this club. It’s a grim one, with no benefits, and the dues can feel overwhelming. We are mothers navigating these fears together, united by our love for our children. But we are more than just moms; we are friends, partners, and advocates for change.
If you’re interested in more discussions beyond parenting, check out our other article on home insemination kits, which provides relevant insights for those considering family planning. For more information on pregnancy, visit this excellent resource from the NIH. And if you’re looking for baby girl names, you can find inspiration here.
In summary, the anxiety surrounding sending children to kindergarten in today’s world is compounded by fears of safety and the emotional toll of lockdown drills. As parents, we face tough choices that often pit our children’s safety against societal norms.