Problem:
My children have come to me lately about the problems in our country. I try not to have the news on, but the truth is they have their phones. I don’t know what to tell them because I’m confused. I feel lost and I don’t want to burden them with my thoughts but at the same time I don’t want to lie to them. The violence I have observed lately has caused me to take a hard look at what is going on.
Is there a good way to talk about this topic?
I’m interested in being a good parent, but how do you talk to your children when you have the same kind of questions? How can I sound like it is normal when it does not seem to be normal.
My husband has an attitude of getting upset won’t settle anything. He thinks everything will work out in the end. I wonder when that end is coming. The Minneapolis thing has given me nightmares. My friends are talking quietly about and not trying to make it a big deal. Words are being spoken that I have not heard before. I do not want to live in fear. I think of how that woman and that man did not think that would not come home to their family and their lives the day they left this world.
I have prayed about it, meditated on it, and I don’t have answers. My question again is how can I talk to my children about this when I am confused.
Discussion:
We do not have to have answers to listen. We do not have to do anything except hear them out. Less social media is a key here. We have to stay informed but not overwhelmed with the news.
You’re on the right track not watching the constant news. It is almost overwhelming to hear and see what is going on. Stay aware but not overwhelmed. It seems to me that the news can show the sides of humanity that you may not want to see. Take the time to sort things out as you are able.
Prayer helps, but it depends on what you believe. It seems to me that we may be in a state of grief as a country, but that is just my opinion. It may be that you are in a state of self-reflection and you may have lots of questions right now. I would only seem that your children are trying to sort things out as well. Journal a little and see what you’ve been thinking. That really does help you. Listen to your children, it helps them.
To submit problems, contact Juanita Sanchez, psychotherapist, by email at [email protected] or through High Plains Journal.
