DHS and FEMA Sites Help Kids Feel Safe
Regardless of how hard you try to shield your kids from disturbing news and information, they’re going to pick up something somewhere. Either from school, their peers, television before you can switch the channel, a picture in the newspaper, or some place you haven’t thought of yet.
Depending on kids’ ages, the idea of an emergency, disaster, or other uncontrollable event or situation can be terrifying. My oldest, for example, has been worried about "bad guys" lately, even though I try to reassure him that we live in a safe neighborhood and that Mom, Dad and our dog Emma will always protect our family.
Here are two sites to help parents and caretakers talk to youngsters about emergency preparedness in a non-threatening and fun way: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Ready Kids and the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s FEMA for Kids.
I visited some friends recently who have just had a baby and their house has now become a child-safe zone. Looking at that and reading this post makes me realise that I’m reckless and don’t think about things on the same level as a parent does. Not that I don’t enjoy being like that but I’m sure it will change if/when Sam Jr arrives someday
Sam,
Glad to see you’ve already picked out a name for the future little one (and if it’s a girl, Samantha?).
Yes, your entire perspective changes once you become a parent, which is why I’m convinced it’s the toughest job in the world (lousy pay, 24/7, little or no public recognition, and high stakes with no how-to manual or blueprint to guide you). But the rewards remind me why I wouldn’t have it any other way.