What do we tell the kids?

Scene: The family car.

Me: “Why are all the flags at half-mast?”

Mr. B: “Ah, you didn’t see the news yet.”

SG piping up from the back seat: “What are you guys talking about?”

Do you tell them anything???

I’ve read many articles about this on parenting blogs lately because there has been such a plethora of events of disgusting hatred and violence.  I like this one best.  The thing is, I want my own child to feel that the world is safe and relatively predictable.  I want her to sleep well at night and learn and have fun during the day.  Maybe that’s not “reality,” but I’m ok protecting her childhood for as long as I can.

As we watched fireworks on July 4, I found myself telling SG why we celebrate.  I told her how we have the opportunity to do anything and be anyone in America.  How we celebrate diversity and are a melting pot of unique people and cultures that add up to a rich blend of strengths and stories.  I told her that our country is often a respite for others who are not able to practice their religion where they came from.  I told her about immigrants looking for a better life here because they can earn a living and care for their family.  I spouted off all the ideals of America and everything I wish were true.

Ah, America.  Our less-than-ideal country that we insist on celebrating with fireworks and turkey dinners.  The place where anyone can purchase insane weaponry to use against their fellow citizens.  Where we can’t make personal decisions about our own body without street protest from random strangers.  Where the 2 top presidential candidates are hated and the entire race is a farce.  Where one human being turns against another because of their beliefs, their skin color, their religion… those very same demographics our country was established to celebrate.  Where you don’t know if the next violence will occur at your neighborhood Walmart, a movie theatre, your kids’ school, or on the very same road you’re driving on.

I hope such violence is the exception because I believe in the ideals of our country, though I am discouraged and disappointed and the first to spout off sarcastic comments about our materialism, greed, and short-sightedness.  I plan to continue to gloss over such hatred and lack of unity in my discussions with my daughter.  Maybe when she’s older, we will talk about it.  Maybe not.