Wondering what to tell your kids about Haiti? It’s been a tough week for me as I’m sure it has for many parents. My 11 year old is overly sensitive to anyone who is hurting. It’s a good trait because she’s a kind and caring child, but it can cause her to be saddened easily, to have nightmares and to worry.
This is what I’ve told my daughter about Haiti:
Good Things Happen – but so do terrible things. Although we are focused on a sad situation, there will be positive events even in Haiti. When I learn about someone being found alive in the rubble, I share it with her. When I see people praying and singing we watch it on TV together.
We Can Help – by praying and sending good thoughts to Haiti. We also have made a donation to the Red Cross. My daughter wants to donate some money too so we are looking into non-profits that she feels a connection with.
We Are Safe – We are not in an earthquake zone, but we live in an area with hurricanes. We’ve had to face some scary times but we do all we can to stay safe. If she needs to talk about it, I go over our storm preparations with her.
It’s OK To Feel – sad, angry, scared. The good thing is that we can always talk about our feelings. We share them and can cry together. No one makes fun of feelings or belittles them in our family. We may cuddle together and have a cry and that’s normal.
We Are One People – We are learning so much about the common family of humanity. We feel closer to people in other countries because of this tragedy. She is learning about “there but for the grace of God go I” situation. There is much more to talk about concerning this and it will probably be a discussion that lasts years.
We Can Help Later – and more often. Since my daughter has learned about the poverty in Haiti, she is more aware of how much more we can do to help financially. We are considering donating money on a monthly basis to people living in poverty.
What are you telling your kids about Haiti?
We aren’t any closer to people of the world because of this, we are a caring nation period, this is just another run of the mill tragedy and people who watch all week have issues, send your money or fly down and help and get on with your life. The constant media focus on other peoples hurting is not in good keeping with morals and ethics, its one thing to help out with supplies and money, it becomes another thing altogether when we watch every day, I hope I am clear hear, casue in isnt my intent to offend anyone its just I have had my fair share of hurting and seeing other peoples pain. (having served in the Army and been everywhere, I know better) this is also bad for adults too as well as kids, we as adults should turn the channel back to Dora the explorer. Most the money.food/supplies we send around the glode gets gobbled up by the respective corrupt governments, lets focus on our country and our people, your neighboors need your help more than the people in Hatie. I enjoy your comments. But focusing all week or all month long on someone else’s pain will in turn hurt you. Little children should not be exposed to such things..for one, they dont truely understand it. Just because someone nods their head, doesnt mean they understand, it means they want you to go away so they can get back to waht they were doing.
my 2 cents, worth a dime, but free for you anytime!
Take Care God Bless you and your family.
.-= Dave K´s last blog ..troop1028: @AmyVernon I dont why I would assume market research, but I doubt that too. I’d love a pink pal top, or whatever color. I just want one. LOL =-.
I think you’ve done a wonderful job of sharing this tragedy with your daughter. It really is overwhelming, to see the pain and suffering there, especially the children!
.-= Barbara´s last blog ..Relax With Barbara On Wednesday 59 =-.
Hi Connie!
Very nice post and you’re obviously doing well with your daughter (What’s up with that first guy?).
Keep up the good work as we all continue to pray for God’s intervention in the lives of those hurting in Haiti.