I was working on a post about my favourite items to bake for Christmas and a post on discipline techniques to post for today and for next week — and it now seems so very insignificant in comparison to today’s horrific shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.
Both Stephanie and I cannot imagine the horrible grief that the parents and families of the 20 children and six adults who were killed today during what has been called one of the worst school shootings in the United States’ history. So many parents flocked to the school in complete terror and shock, praying that their child would emerge unharmed. Unfortunately, 20 sets of parents are coping with unimaginable pain and grief as they mourn the loss of their children to such an insensible act. The families of the six adults who lost their lives protecting children are also dealing with immense hurt and pain as they grieve over their loved ones.
Tonight, while you are safe in your home with your children, do not worry that their rooms are not completely tidied up. Do not focus on how they’re being silly at the dinner table, or splashing too much water on the floor while they are in the bathtub. Focus on your time with your child right now — focus on their smiles, their laughter, their desire to spend each moment with you. Be thankful for these special little people in your lives. Appreciate them. Hug them tightly. Tell them you love them. Snuggle with them. Read more books than you usually do at bedtime. Take the time to soak in every moment with them. There are grieving parents tonight in Connecticut who are not able to do the same, and are wishing that they could be. Keep those parents and families in your thoughts, prayers and hearts.
I read a great quote of Mister Rogers from the Facebook page of The Skeptical Mother that I thought was something we all need to remember at times like this:
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of ‘disaster,’ I remember my mother’s words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world.” – Mister Rogers
We are thinking of all of those involved in this awful crime today.
Here are some resources for talking with your children about shootings or disasters and helping them (and yourself) to understand grief:
How To Talk with Kids about a School Shooting – Aha Parenting
How To Talk to Your Child About the Scary Stuff They See and Hear – Canadian Family
8 Tips for Understanding Grief and Rediscovering Gratitude in Times of Loss - MindBodyGreen
How to Talk to Your Kids about the School Shootings - NBC News Children’s Health
{Franki and Steph}
