Guiding Our Children

Guest post by Caroline Kelley

Guiding Our Children Through
Hates Shadow

As a parent, one of our greatest fears is witnessing our child's innocence shattered by the harsh realities of the world. Recently, my 10-year-old son came home, his usual cheerful demeanor replaced with distress. The reason? He had been subjected to hurtful gestures and comments in his classroom, all stemming from his proud Jewish heritage.

My son, like many children, sees the world through a lens of purity and kindness. He believes in the inherent goodness of people and struggles to comprehend acts of cruelty. But when faced with taunts referencing the atrocities of history, his innocence collided with the harshness of reality.

A mother's instinct

It's a moment that many parents dread, that painful realization that our children are not shielded from the darkness of the world. In our case, it's the stark reminder that anti-Semitism, bigotry, and hatred still linger, even in the supposedly safe confines of a classroom.

As a mother, my instinct is to wrap my son in a protective cocoon, shielding him from the ugliness of the world. But I know that's not the answer. Instead, I must guide him through this darkness, equipping him with the resilience and strength to navigate a world that can be cruel and unjust.

Navigating hate

First and foremost, I must validate his feelings. His hurt, anger, and confusion are all valid emotions, and he needs to know that his experiences matter. By acknowledging his pain, we create a safe space for him to express himself openly and honestly.

Next, we must educate. Ignorance breeds hate, and the only way to combat it is with
knowledge. We'll delve into the history of anti-Semitism, teaching him about the struggles and triumphs of his ancestors. We'll explore the power of empathy, helping him understand the impact of his words and actions on others.

But education alone is not enough. We must also instill in him a sense of pride in his identity. He is not defined by the hateful words of others but by the richness of his heritage and the depth of his character. Together, we'll celebrate his Jewish roots, embracing the traditions and values that make him who he is.

Compassion

Yet, pride must be tempered with compassion. My son's empathy is one of his greatest strengths, and I want to nurture that compassion, teaching him to stand up not only for himself but for others who face similar injustices. Together, we'll explore ways to be allies and advocates, using our voices to speak out against hate and intolerance.

As we navigate this journey together, I'm reminded of the words of Anne Frank, herself a symbol of resilience in the face of hatred: "In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart." It's a belief that I hold dear, and one that I hope to instill in my son.

Yes, the world can be a dark and frightening place, but it is also filled with beauty, kindness, and love. And as long as we walk this path together, hand in hand, I know that my son will emerge from the shadows with his innocence intact, his spirit unbroken, and his heart filled with hope.

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Caroline Kelley, M.Ed is first and foremost, a mother. Following, she is an early childhood educator of over 20 years and humane educator spreading peace throughout our education system.