Talking to Your Kids About Tragedy

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tragedy

Yesterday we woke up to the news that two police officers were ambushed and killed in Urbandale. The news was everywhere on the radio, online, and on the news.

Even if you don’t let your kids watch the news, they are bound to hear people talking about what happened. I wish I didn’t have to think about how to respond when my four-year-old asks why somebody killed a policeman, but that is what he asked me when we were driving home from preschool.

As much as I dread having this conversation and I’m sure others to follow, I know they are important conversations to have with my kids. They are a reality in the world we live in.

I wish I could shelter my kids from the evil that exists in the world, but I can’t. But I do have a choice in how I respond to it.

We can either live in fear and try to ignore the terrible things that happen, or we can choose to acknowledge them and be a stronger and more loving person in spite of them.

When kids ask why these things happen, there are several ways to respond.

First, be honest about the fact that you don’t understand why some people choose to hurt other people. Then, use it as an opportunity to tell your kids how much you love them.

Depending on how old your kids are, I think it is important to ask them how they feel about what happened. Ask them what they have heard and if they have any questions. You don’t need to go into all of the specifics about what happened, we can still shield them from all of the gory details, but it is important to understand what they have heard and to let them talk about their feelings.

It is heartbreaking when you hear stories of shootings and violence in other communities. This summer it seemed like it was all too common to hear of senseless violence striking cities across the country. It was easy to think that it could never happen to us. We live in Iowa! Des Moines isn’t a big city. But that doesn’t mean we are immune to heart-breaking, unthinkable things happening.

When tragedy strikes, as it did this week, it reveals our true character. It forces us to band together as parents, neighbors, friends, and families to support each other during these trying times.

And while we hope and pray a tragedy like this doesn’t happen, when it does, it makes us appreciate coming home to our loved ones that much more. Hug your kids a little tighter, snuggle them a little longer, and say a prayer for the families who lost their loved ones.

To the families who were affected by the shootings, our hearts go out to you. I am sure that I speak on behalf of all of us at Des Moines Moms Blog when I say you are in our thoughts and prayers tonight, tomorrow, and forever.

when tragedy strikes

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