In the Wake of Tragedy

I have simply found myself without words for what happened in Connecticut on Friday.  When I logged onto my computer and read the news story, like many of you I suppose, all I could do was cry.  I haven’t wanted to talk about it or even think about it.  I have avoided the news and reading Facebook posts because its just too painful.  I don’t feel I have anything to gain from knowing the details beyond that initial article I read. 

Having two young children, one in kindergarten, just makes this tragedy too raw for me to process, and I am a grown woman with a pretty high emotional IQ (at least I like to think so). I cannot imagine how a child exposed to this news could possibly make any sense of it. 

When Hurricane Sandy devastated our New York and New Jersey neighbors, I showed my six and a half year old an image of a street in the Bronx, where everyone’s belongings were piled high on the sidewalks, and I explained to her that all of their belongings were ruined, and many had nothing - no clothes, no toys, no electricity...  She helped me to deliver supplies to a friend traveling to New York to help.  I thought it was important and age appropriate for her to begin to understand her good fortune and that it is important to help others in need.   

But this is different.  So different.  I see absolutely no need for my children to learn of this horrible tragedy it at all.  Period.  I will do my best to protect them from this news.  My children will not see or hear any of the media coverage of this tragedy at home.  I will do my best to avoid them overhearing adult conversations about it. 

Despite our efforts, though, many young children and (of course) older children and young adults will hear this news and they will need our help to process it. I came across this article on helping children who have been exposed to news of tragedy (thank you Lisabeth and David  Sewell McCann of Sparkle Stories for sharing it with their subscribers).  I think it is excellent and wanted to share it.

http://www.kidpower.org/library/article/regain-emotional-safety/

Let us all hug our children a little tighter this holiday season.  There is no greater gift.

 {Author's note: I was very much wearing my "mom" hat when I wrote the above.  Below is the letter I sent to parents on 12/17/12}

My "Bloom Administrator" response:

Dear Parents,

As we begin our work/school routines this week, I'm sure like me your heart and mind are a little heavier with thoughts of Friday's tragedy in Connecticut.  I wanted to take a moment to let you know how we are handling the aftermath here at Bloom.  

DISCUSSION OF THE TRAGEDY

We are hoping that the young children in our care  have not been exposed to the news or adult conversations about Friday's events.  However, we realize this may have happened despite your efforts to keep them sheltered. We are choosing as a faculty not to bring discussion about the events into the classrooms.  If a child who has been exposed to the story wishes to discuss it, his/her teacher will gently let them know that that topic is best discussed at home.  We don't want the children to feel it is not okay to talk about it, however we would like to protect the children who have not been exposed.  I also ask that parents refrain from addressing it with the teachers or each other while in the classrooms or busy foyer.  You are more than welcome, however, to come into the office (or call or send an email) to address with me any concerns or suggestions you may have.

LOCKDOWN DRILLS

We have a faculty meeting scheduled for Wednesday evening, during which we will discuss the procedures for a "lockdown".  {Details withheld}

SECURITY

As you know we have a code to the front door.  As a reminder, the code to the door is for parents and faculty only.  Please do not give out the code to ANYONE.  We also have the added security measure of transmitters, which the teachers wear around their necks.  These not only activate the doors, but they also allow for immediate contact to our alarm company, who will dispatch the police or fire department when a certain button is pressed.  

I hope this helps in some small way to reassure you.  

Blessings on us all,

Bethany