I found myself in tears at my son’s preschool graduation. It might seem trivial, but consider this: I didn’t shed a tear at my wedding or when he was born. Yet there I was, sobbing as he closed this chapter of his life.
This bittersweet moment signifies that he’s no longer my little toddler; he’s a big kid now. I’ll miss the wonderful environment of his preschool, but more than that, I’m about to step into a new and daunting reality.
This new reality doesn’t offer a way out, regardless of your financial standing or political beliefs. It’s the “Will my child be safe from a school shooting today?” club. And let me tell you, it’s far from enjoyable.
Sending your child off to kindergarten is already filled with worries. Will they make friends? Will they enjoy their teacher? Can they stay focused throughout the day? Now, on top of all that, there’s an added layer of fear: Will they come home safe?
Every morning, during drop-off, I can’t help but wonder if I’m saying goodbye to a five-year-old or if this could be the last time I see him as a child.
Even if my son never faces the nightmare of a school shooting, what impact does the reality of lockdown drills have on his emotional health? Soon, I’ll be sending my bright, adventurous boy off to kindergarten, where he’ll be taught to hide quietly under his desk. Maybe they’ll hand him a lollipop to keep him quiet. Or worse, he might learn to throw objects or even confront an intruder to protect his classmates.
He’s only five, obsessed with marine life and dreaming of being a park ranger. And yet, he’ll have to practice what to do if someone with a weapon breaches his classroom.
I understand the statistics show it’s unlikely he’ll be involved in a school shooting. But this concern extends beyond just my son. It’s about the collective anxiety our kids face because a select few prioritize their gun rights over safety. Living in Denver, I’m particularly aware of this issue; our area has a higher rate of school shootings than most major cities in the U.S.
Recently, nearly every school in the Denver metro area was shut down due to a manhunt. For a fleeting moment, I even considered homeschooling. However, unless my son is keen on courses focusing exclusively on “The Art of Whale Appreciation” and “British Monarchies in Film,” that might not be the best option.
I know I’d struggle as a homeschooler, but it’s a thought that lingers.
So here we are. I’m expected to sacrifice my son’s safety and my own peace of mind. Meanwhile, what compromises are gun owners making? Polls indicate that many Americans back stricter gun regulations, yet those in power—mostly male politicians—continue to do nothing. For example, my senator, Tom Harris, has accepted nearly $4 million from the NRA, all while school shootings have claimed numerous lives.
It’s a grim reality when a child’s life appears to hold less value than the funds politicians receive from gun lobbyists. If only there were a threshold where they’d finally take action, but instead, we’re left in uncertainty.
I won’t solve this issue with a single blog post; it would take far more than that. However, it’s a national disgrace that we send our children to learn in environments where their lives are at risk. It’s tragic that we expect educators to act as human shields.
Welcome to this unsettling club. There are no perks, and the emotional toll can be overwhelming.
As mothers, we are a diverse group, bonded by the experience of raising children. We deserve a space to discuss more than just parenting. Explore our other articles, like the one on our at-home insemination kit, to find support and information on various topics.
In summary, sending a child to kindergarten today comes with unique fears that extend beyond the typical parental worries. With the looming threat of violence in schools, parents face the heartbreaking reality of compromising their child’s safety. It’s a collective struggle fueled by societal issues that need urgent attention.
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