The world can be a scary place. Whether I was somewhat oblivious to this as a child, I know now as an adult the dangers and temptations our kids face in today’s world. In the past, missing children had their pictures on milk cartons and telephone poles. Kids played outside until dark when it was “time to come in”. Doors were left unlocked.
In today’s world, word of missing children flies off the news and social media minutes after it is discovered. Alarms go off on our cell phones with missing children information. Emails are blasted off with any interruptions at school, including lock downs which were never a thing of the past many years ago. Maybe incidents seem more frequent because of media and are few and far between. If I stay true to myself, I have always been #bettersafethansorry.
Better to have a fence around the pool than not. Better to have a seat belt on than not. Well, when it comes to the safety and well being of my children, the same goes. My oldest son may be old enough by someone’s standards to bike to our neighborhood park on his own, but do I feel comfortable about that? No. Certainly not after I recently witnessed a child swinging a baseball bat around other children on the playground. On the other side of the park, adults using offensive language. In today’s world, I’m teaching my children “safe words” in case they are approached by a stranger and offered a ride.
In today’s world, not only are kids bullied physically, but now it has extended to social media. In our neck of the woods, teen suicide has increased. To me, all this knowledge only increases my desire to be a “helicopter parent”. In a way, to be that bit of an annoying parent. To be involved. To ask questions. To get to know friends of my kids. To restrict electronic devices and delay social media.
I understand we can’t live in a bubble. Gradually, though more slowly if I had my way, I know I have to let our kids grow their wings. I will have to hope I have taught and given them the tools to deal with situations, and know right from wrong when they arise. But for now, while I think they benefit and need my guidance and protection, I will be that for them.
