Things to remember in these scary times
I feel very fortunate that my daughter attends Lake City High School and that the staff is so driven to keep our children safe. I understand that there was slight confusion amid the most recent, unintentional fire alarm at school. This raised my concerns a bit.
On May 18, the day of the Texas shooting, I received an email from the district putting my concerns to rest as they updated parents on the most recent changes and efforts to continue to make school as safe as possible. I am frequently receiving communication from the district/school to keep parents informed of their constant effort to make necessary changes. Thank you!
Each day that we face another school shooting in America, it reminds me that the odds against us are increasing and I cannot help but feel a sense of guilt when I drop my daughter off at the front entrance every morning. There isn’t a day I drive away hoping she arrives home safe and that it won’t be the last time I tell her that I love her.
Am I the only parent who feels this way? I don’t think so. I wrestle with the fact that I am knowingly leaving her in a place that has become a tragic trend for loose cannons. She is MY responsibility. I am knowingly sending her into a possible, unstable war zone. Just a few years ago, I wanted to slow her age progression and enjoy the moments for as long as possible. I now find myself eagerly waiting for graduation day in an attempt to feel a sense of relief, knowing her safety has been optimized. What has become of our country and our children?
I think it’s important to remember that we stay involved in our children’s lives, no matter how much they accuse us of being overbearing. And that we take the time to talk with them every day — even if we don’t have anything in particular to talk about. Keep them engaged so they do not forget how to communicate in this technical world.
No matter how old they get, encourage them to lay on your lap and reinforce their security. Security is fundamental at every age.
Let’s teach them to love others and to never judge. Sometimes we are certain that someone else is on the wrong path or their choices are less than stellar. Just when we are certain we are right, sometimes we are wrong. If others’ choices aren’t directly affecting us, let’s be reserved, accepting, patient and kind on a regular basis. Don’t forget that our nameless, faceless comments on social media are no different than the comments we voice directly to another person.
It’s important that our children learn to own a sense of confidence, not narcissism. There’s a fine line.
Negative energy might be a natural instinct, but it robs us of our peace and it instills hostility and uncertainty. Love and kindness toward others will bring us unanimity and ease in our community.
Ask ourselves every day what we can do for someone else, whether it be someone we love or a complete stranger. Reach out.
Our own worth is no greater and no less than our peers. Remember that on a particularly bad day and let’s pay close attention to our actions if we sense aversion or hostility toward another.
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Kate Matthews is a Coeur d’Alene resident.