This is something I have been struggling with recently and I thought and turn to you lot to see if I can remedy.
Part of me believes that in order to create compassionate adults, children need to be exposed to some of the ills of society.
But the other part of me feels that if they can't be innocent when they are children, when can they be? I feel perhaps I should be protecting them from the bad things in the world and allowing them not to have to worry about things which they probably can't understand.
I have been very deeply affected by the soham trial - it has really upset me and I am finding it very difficult to let go of. But I have done my utmost to avoid my children hearing anything about it. On the day the verdict was announced my son (5) saw Newsround. I chose not to switch it off as I felt it would be worse hearing a little. He didn't say anything at the time, but he has started asking questions tonight. He started by asking questions about prison - what is it like etc. I explained it all and asked if he was asking because of what he'd seen the other night. He said no, but has asked lots of questions about why and how the girls died etc. I have answered as honestly (without being to graphic, or telling him anything too upsetting) as I could, as I feel I need to be honest with him, but I still have this nagging feeling that he shouldn't have to think about this kind of thing. If I can't get my head round it then how can he be expected to? I know kids tend to accept this thing more easily than adults, but I'm not sure I want him to accept that this kind of thing goes on.
I don't want him to be unprepared for life, but neither do I want him to be exposed to this kind of thing before it's neccessary.
Sorry for this being long - does anyone know what I am trying to say here, and does anyone have any answers?
Thanks