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It's that time of year when we're preparing our children for the upcoming school year—purchasing school supplies, new sneakers, uniforms, scheduling hair appointments, etc. While this is usually an exciting time for both parents and children, it's completely normal if you're feeling a little anxious about what to expect this school year.
According to sandyhookpromise.org, "Guns are the leading cause of death among American children and teens. 1 out of 10 gun deaths are age 19 or younger." The safety of our children has been compromised for far too long and it's time for us to take action. They're several ways we can get involved in protecting our children while they're in school, but we have to be PROACTIVE and not just REACTIVE.
Here are a couple of ways, you as a parent, can protect your children throughout the school year:
BE ACTIVE in speaking up at school orientations/meetings to get a better understanding of how your children are being protected. Is there an "intruder" policy in place to respond to a detrimental matter in a timely manner? What's the policy to alert parents on what is going on at the school? As the parents of these children, it is our responsibility to make sure they're safe and protected to the best of our abilities, especially when they’re not physically with us.
TALK TO YOUR KIDS about how they're feeling? What are they talking about with their friends at school? Are they old enough to comprehend the terrible things that are going on in the world? Thankfully my 2nd grader doesn't understand most of what's going on, but I know it won't always be that way. Nurturing a strong relationship with your child allows them to be able to come to you when they feel uncomfortable or have questions about things going on in the world.
KEEP HOPE alive! I feel like crime among young kids has skyrocketed over the past couple of years, especially in New Orleans. It can be so easy to lose hope in the future, but it's imperative that we don't! Our children are more smart, creative, and confident than we ever were! It's our job to guide them back to a way of living that is constructive and progressive for our communities. I believe that if we continue to do our part, we can change the trajectory for our future generations!
I hope this was helpful to a parent out there! Share some ways you're about to have those hard conversations with your children.
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