Being a parent is an all encompassing, energy consuming emotional roller coaster.
Not only do we feel the need to have our fundas and lists (regarding innumerable dos and dont s)in place. But constant brushing up on know –hows and re- evaluating tons of stuff happens day to day. One of such is the constant exposure to all kinds of experiences and happenings via newspapers , television and the wide world of the net.
We – todays generation of parents pride ourselves to be the evolved lot who want to give our kids the “exposure” to all kinds of information and experiences. Gradually we begin sifting and scrutinizing the ‘content of experiences’.
As an aware parent I am not above hiding the newspaper to avoid my children coming across gory pics or much publicized reports carried on the cover pages of abuse or physical atrocities –read rape. In case of television viewing a curb on hours spent keeps that under check.
The coverage of the recent terror attack in Mumbai – the 24x7 news reports, live images, detailed descriptions of fatalities brought forth to the surface multiple issues all at once. The fear , uncertainity ,confusion that haunted all was compounded by images that were played over and over with repercussions multi- fold.
Written matter is informative and open to personal interpretation but images played over and over is that - it haunts you forever .Intepretations are what one sees ‘as is ‘ with no references or understanding of the issue in totality. Reactions are that too – instant, biased, full of fear and anger. In the case of a child though their experiences are complex
but their feelings and reactions are simple –black or white. So to grasp events of such proportions that are intense needs a very mature and firm handling and guidance. Constant re-assurances regards security, additional attention , repeated explanations and renewing faith in LIFE was and still is the need of the hour.
Hope… Faith – strong forces that must be safe guarded to ensure their future.
Exercising restraint on what the kids are exposed to is not molly coddling them or denying them learning and exposure. But essential to evaluate that they are exposed to stuff they are ready for at an intellectual ,emotional level. And which does not stunt or retard their growth, thinking and beliefs.
At an age and stage of life that’s meant to be fun, happy and educative having to combat fears of such propotions seem unfair.
