Making the decision to bring a child into the world is a big one.
Can you provide for them financially? Are you ready emotionally? Do you have the support of your partner, family and friends?
When my girls were born, I made them each a promise. The moment they were placed in my arms for the very first time I pledged my life to them. I told them that I would always be there to love them, care for them and keep them safe them no matter what.
The thing is, I now realise that is a promise I cannot keep, and this breaks my heart. There are some horrid, sick, twisted people in this world and life can change in an instant with no warning. I cannot protect my children from this. I can’t always be there to keep them safe.
All I can do is educate them. Show them how to be the best person they can. Encourage them to care and look out for other people. Equip them with knowledge of how to stay safe and the skills to help people that may need it.
Scarlett is getting to an age where she is becoming aware of world events, both good and bad.
I’m a firm believer in being honest with children about news stories as, for me, there is nothing more scary than the unknown.
It’s now my job to make them see that for all the evil there may be in the world there is so much good that out weighs it.
While following the shocking events last night at the Boston Marathon I heard a lovey quote from a man called Fred Rodgers.
‘When I was a boy and would see scary things in the news my mother would say ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people helping”
This is how I like to view the world. Always look for the good and stand tall against the evil. I hope I can pass this outlook on to my children.
The news will still be on in our house today, and I will deal with the questions Scarlett may have the best I can. I will tell her that bad things do happen, but that she should not worry. I will let her know that I love her and her sister and that their father and I will never stop striving to protect them.
As a parent there is no right or wrong way to deal with these situations, and how you explain them to your children is totally a personal choice.
I believe this is the best way for us as a family, this is how we deal with worry.
