I have to admit that when I stood in our kitchen, with tears in my eyes, watching the destruction in our beloved nation’s capitol, my first instinct was to hide my face from my kids. We openly discuss our feelings- sometimes probably to a fault. But this was different. This explanation was something more than I was ready to sift through.
My ability to hide my face from our kids lasted for less than two minutes- because, if you’re a parent, you know the needs are many and dire, at dinner time. So, as our 10 year old approached me, and our 7 year old followed, they read my expression and immediately started questioning me.
After a few minutes to collect my thoughts, I recognized the opportunity that was presenting itself. As parents, one of the most incredible privileges we are given is the chance to frame the way our kids view the world, by talking to them about examining situations through our families’ values and beliefs.
Listed below are topics we discuss in our house frequently, but certainly after last week’s events. Take what you would like, and leave the rest. These aren’t perfect, but they are shaped by principles we try to teach, model and continue to grow into.
