Mass shootings and intrusions at schools or public places can feel like a dark cloud hanging over our heads, making us question how to protect our kids and our families while still giving them the freedom to grow and explore. While there are bigger conversations to be had and differing opinions and thoughts from multiple sides, we can’t stop living our lives or create a bubble around ourselves and the ones we love. How do we deal with these worries without letting them consume us?
Start by remembering this key phrase: Fear thrives on the unknown.
So, the more you understand, the better equipped you’ll feel. Familiarize yourself with your child’s school safety protocols. Many schools have extensive measures in place—locked entrances, ID requirements, emergency drills, and response plans. Reach out to the administration to learn how they’re prepared for emergencies. Understanding these procedures can help calm the fear that nothing is being done.
You can also teach yourself and your child safety skills.
While we can’t shield our children from every danger, we can give them tools to navigate the world. Talk to your kids about safety without making it scary. For young children, keeping it simple and age-appropriate is key: “If something feels wrong, find a trusted adult or follow what your teacher says.”
Practicing emergency drills at home—like what to do in case of a fire or a lockdown—can reinforce the importance of safety without overwhelming them.
Frame it like learning any other life skill, like crossing the street or wearing a helmet.
Also, limit your media and news intake.
While staying informed is essential, a steady diet of bad news can be overwhelming. Take stock of how much media you’re consuming about violence or school shootings. Constant exposure can heighten anxiety. Instead, balance it with positive stories about community, resilience, and safety improvements. For every heartbreaking story, there are countless others where people step up to make schools and public spaces safer. Plus, taking breaks from the news cycle enhances your ability to practice mindfulness. When we care for ourselves, we’re better equipped to care for our kids.
It’s easy to feel powerless in the face of such big issues, but there are ways to make a difference. Get involved with local school boards or community safety initiatives. Advocate for policies and programs that promote safer schools, whether that’s through better mental health support, security upgrades, or community-building efforts. Real change happens when parents, educators, and community members come together to prioritize safety.
Even just sharing your concerns and fears with other people in your community can provide support, help each other to not feel so alone, and produce motivation for making tangible changes where needed.
While the reality of school shootings and violence can feel overwhelming, parents have a choice in how to respond. The choice is harder to make some days than others, but equipping ourselves and our children with the right tools, fostering open communication, and leaning on our community for support can help us all find a balance between protecting them and letting them live fully.
Our kids deserve both safety and freedom, and while it’s impossible to guarantee one or the other, we can certainly do our best to provide both.
As my son walked into his kindergarten classroom for the first time a few weeks ago, his little backpack bouncing and his smile wide with excitement, I reminded myself that, yes, the world can be scary—but it’s also filled with good people, hope, and possibility. And that’s the world I want him to have the ability to see and continue to build.
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