To want to warn my kids about terrorism in London

[kellyandthecat]

Looking at the news and seeing yet another gun attack in France and wondering if we're heading the same way in this country after the big demos in London against Charlie Hebdo. Feeling like a Mumbai or Paris like attack is inevitable. I am a north London mum and my kids are often around busy places in London, train stations, clubs etc. What are some practical things you can say to help them keep safe or AIBU? It's especially pressing to me because we are of Jewish heritage, very secular rarely go to temple etc but its in the back of my mind my kids could especially be a target though I don't know how you'd pick them out if that was your evil intention

do any of you think about it in busy places?

mad world

the older ones would be aware anyway

Just FYI, yesterday's "gun attack in France" is a drugs/gang thing, not a terrorist thing.

Maybe not warn them... they are probably aware enough as it is. But it might be productive to have a conversation about it. Next time the news is on or a related topic comes up take the opportunity to ask them what they would do if that happened in London and have a natural discussion about it. I also like the idea of making sure at least one family phone number is memorized in case of needing to use (the horrors) a landline and dial actual numbers. Within my (pushing 40) group of mates, we regularly double check in with each other that we know at least one phone number by heart in case we're separated from the precious mobiles...

Good point Sandinmyshoes. The only number I know is my own mobile, haven't a clue about anyone else's or even my home number

I do have DPs number with ICE by his name, I read that it translates as IN CASE of EMERGENCY. Should the emergency services need a contact.

Op, I understand. My eldest went on a school trip last week to that there London - we're up North, and I was feeling a bit stupidly panicky.

I worry about things like this all the time, but I tend to be over anxious and I recognise that I can't control what other people do. You can worry and worry but it's fairly pointless and just spoils your own life

They are far more likely to be mugged for their phone or credit cards! I worked in london throughout the IRA bombings in the late 70s and early 80's, bomb scares were commonplace in department stores and stations, all you can do is be aware. As other people have said, if you are scared, the terrorists have won!