We failed in a lot of ways during this situation that we are in- that’s true.
There’s another, almost overlooked, area that most of us have failed in.
We failed as parents to young children.
We got so engrossed in the news and so worried about the outside world, that instead of educating our kids in a reasonable manner, we promoted fear.
Fear of the virus. Fear of what happens when someone is affected.
We kept discussing deaths and numbers and hospital scenarios before these innocent minds.
And what happened?
My son broke down when my father tested positive this morning. Because in his 9 year old mind, there could be nothing worse that could happen to another person right now. Because he saw all of us panic.
My father is well and he will recover. I refuse to believe anything else.
But, we, collectively felt horrible at what we have done to our child.
Yes, we consoled, and counselled, him. But we were also responsible for taking him to that place of fear.
Awareness is not the same as promoting fear.
I have made it a point to talk about the recovery more. I have made it a point to talk about the positives more.
There is enough going on to pull us down. Let’s not add to it by burdening the kids.
Nobody talks about this- they are the worst hit and handling it way better than most adults. I strongly believe so.
Yes- we must teach the children to stay safe. We owe it to them that we teach our kids how to stay safe and healthy.
However, this does not end with just physical well-being. Let’s also build them mentally, and emotionally, by exposing them to the good the world has to offer even in these trying times.
Sending loads of positive thoughts to anyone reading this!
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