Whenever tragedy strikes, in any part of our country, it affects us all. We go into shock, disbelief, sadness and grief. We become riveted to our television sets, radios, computers, and smart phones, craving every bit of news available. And, the horrors of the day are played over and over until they become embedded in our hearts and minds.
Such is the case right now, as the tragedy of the Boston Marathon continues to unfold, and we all wait, tethered to the media, for answers. Why? How? And, who?
But, you know what they say. Little pitchers have big ears. So, while you’re listening to the radio or watching TV, consider the children and how this might be affecting them. The folks at Sesame Workshop have developed some resources you can use to help you and your kids make sense of the tragedy. Here for Each Other: Helping Families After an Emergency is filled with tips, ideas and activities that can help comfort kids in need of a little TLC.
And, in times like these, it helps to have a few words of wisdom from one of public television’s most iconic heroes, Fred Rogers, who once said,
"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."
Well, I like to think that it’s the helpers—the people who offer us comfort and support in times of need—that remind us of our resiliency, and that in the end, we’ll always be here for each other.
So, how about you? How do you handle moments of crises with your children, whether in San Diego or the world at large? I hope you’ll share here with all your neighbors.
