Too much information for the kids?

[Colleen A.]

This morning, as my 2 older kids were getting ready for school, they get into this discussion on "what to do if a dirty bomb goes off in the school". They are in middle school and the school officials discussed with the kids where to go in the building if something happens. Yes, I agree that the schools need to have an emergency plan in place, but I feel that they should not of spoken to the kids about it. Each and every adult who works in the building should know what to do and be prepared to get the kids where they need to be WHEN AND IF something goes horribly wrong. By telling the kids, all they seem to of done is cause them to worry. At 11 and 13, all my kids should be worrying about is a math test or a pimple....not chemical warfare!

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

It is so hard knowing what information to give kids and what to keep from them at the middle school level. And there is so much difference between 6th and 8th graders, not to mention individuals.

They are at the age when they want to be involved in what is happening in their world. But at the same time need to know they have a safe haven.

Speaking for my daughter (son is in high school) and the rest of the girls in my troop, I know they want the information, are actually more secure feeling with it. BUT, and this is a huge caveat, they also desperately need safe haven to talk about their thoughts, feelings, and fears. And know they can then switch to the other worries in their lives - boys, math tests, and pimples - and receive just as much love and support.

Deb

 

[dixiegirl]

As much as everyone wants to protect their children from the horrors in the outside world, this situation is more of a reality than ever before. It is difficult to think that this is what the world has come to. I do think that they need to know the basics (maybe not all of the details) just for their own safety. And, of course, lots of open talk and love from all of the parents to help them along with this awful time we are going thru! ((HUGS)) to everyone.

 

[dzneelvr]

My DS is 15 and DD is 13 and they've been very inquisitive lately about the war.
My DH and I make time to talk with them when something hits them....I too think it's very important to communicate openly and frequently with your kids. This is an experience that will shape them in years to come and as parents, we need to have some influence here. The freedom we experience in America comes with a price and we do have to pay it when the world threatens that freedom. I want my kids to be proud of America and realistically understand that it doens't just "happen" by chance. Past generations had vast wars as well to use as touchstones....this generation is no different.
The networks are providing alot of data (we don't subscribe to cable) and we watch that sometimes.....but still find time for the normal things,like Survivor and American Idol.
Don't know about any of you, but I'm baking alot more chocolate chip cookies than normal....

God Bless America.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I don't think that kind of thing is nearly as dangerous as all the news coverage!

 

[Colleen A.]

Hey dzneelvr,

Not chocolate chip cookies, but I JUST took sugar cookies out of the oven!!

 

[The Sweetness]

My 11 y old overheard something on TV yesterday about planes flying over or landing near Disneyland. She asked what Disneyland has to do with a war in the middle east. I explained to her that the same way that the WTC was attacked, Disneyland or any other popular family destination could also be targeted. Her jaw dropped in shock. All I could to think of to say about it was that the people who plan terrorist attacks are more worried about how many people they can attack at once more than which people are being attacked. I added that this wasnt going to change our plans to go on vacation. (I am not cancelling my plans unless the parks close) This didnt seem to be of much comfort to her, and I thought better of mentioning to her that I am just as concerned about an attack at the mall or grocery while we are there. I have always tried to be honest with her about any subject that comes up, but she doesnt need to know how paranoid I am

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

I have to respectfully disagree on parts of your post. Yes, in a perfect world kids should only have to worry about test and pimples (ok a perfect world wouldn't have pimples! ), but we are in the middle of this war like it or not, and I would rather have our kids know what to do. Am I happy about it H*lll no, but that is the time we are living in. I can only liken it to a fire or tornado drills that are practiced. If only the adults knew what to do and the kids didn't, then there would be mass panic and the teachers might have a hard time keeping the kids organized and avoiding panic situations. If kids are told what to do, then God forbid something happen, it can hopefully be an orderly process.

 

[pegasusEH]

Have to say that I totally agree with the last post. With everything on the news and what will be in the papers you can't pretend we live in an ideal world and our children have nothing to worry about.

During WW2 children had to take a gas mask wherever they went and a lot were separated from their families and evacuated to the countryside. Being told what plans were in place IF (and hopefully nothing will happen to any of us) anything terrible should happen can't be half as traumatic.

 

[evilqueenfan]

I say, please pass the cookies !