by K.C. (Pre-3 Parent)
Each day, atrocious acts of violence are committed around the world, and many of these events are brought into our lives via numerous screens we own or are surrounded by inthe places we visit. Most of us hold them in our hands, pockets or purses, stare into them on our desks or in our laps, or gaze in awe at the large television screens in the places we go throughout the day. Like a moth to a flame, we watch horrific events of violence over and over again as videos are replayed and rebroadcast around the world.
As difficult it is for us adults to watch these videos, it is even more confusing and disorienting for our children. After the events in Paris last week, I struggled to figure out how to talk to my kids about this kind of senseless violence. I was comforted by the following quote I found by Fred Rogers (aka Mister Rogers):
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” To this day, especially in times of “disaster,” I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world.”
I hope you too can find comfort in the helpers, and maybe even find a way to be a helper yourself. I know I’ll be looking for them the next time I watch as events unfold. For more information on this subject, click here to visit the Parent Resource section of the Fred Rogers Company.