i told to my son what occured on 12.14.2012 at sandy hook elementary school in newtown, connecticut. of course he is too young to comprehend the horror, devastation and sorrow that is happening. what he does understand is that many of us, including himself, have the opportunity to make choices that can impact lives in a better, positive way.
it’s unfortunate as a parent to explain to our children, that the world we live in has violence, inequality, injustice and suffering. this tragedy will lead people to argue about gun control, mental illness, lack of school safety policies, religious views and disintegration of societal values. yet at the end of the day, there are many children grasping onto the faith that the adults will protect them and ensure a life filled with great potential. if there was one thing my children could inherit from me, i would like it to be “learned optimism,” because it’s what pulls me together to move forward.
listen to what the children have to say, tell them often just how much they matter in this world, be a model of compassion and grace, always be true to your word, consciously share more of the good and less of the bad, speak kindly of others, teach the children to have faith in mankind, allow them the freedom to be exactly who they are and to dream their own dreams, love them uncritically, and give them reason to believe in themselves and in the world they live in. – author unknown
