The problem with children who can read is that they read newspaper headlines and the crawler on the news on the ubiquitous televisions in restaurants across America. News editors don’t hesitate to employ alarm tactics to grab attention. We as viewers and consumers complain, but those tactics must work because we all react accordingly.
And because of this my sons see words like “rape,” “abortion,” “murder,” and “suicide” in the news.
We don’t watch the news at home. Mac Daddy and I are careful to shield the boys while telling them just enough to prevent them from being surprised by their peers. Not everyone protects their children from the news so the stories my sons heard about Newtown were much more than we had planned to share. Kids just don’t need to be immersed in the ills of the world. The least of our time in this planet is spent in childhood. Let children frolic in their innocence. Reality strikes all too soon.
So tell me something good. What good news do you have to share? What’s happening in your community that deserves a spotlight?
I completely agree with you.. Its hard to shelter your child and ensure they have a safe and innocent childhood without turning on the awful news which are quick to blurb out words that will elicit fears into any adult, let alone a child. I feel I shouldn’t have to explain to my son, who is currently 6, what the word “rape” means until necessary. I feel kids grow up too quickly and we should ensure to slow down that progression – in time, we will have to help them understand these topics and terminologies, I just don’t want that time to be now. I enjoy his innocent smile and glare, I don’t want to compromise it because CNN or whomever wants to increase their viewership. Have a great weekend! -Iva