{"id":13476,"date":"2014-10-19T08:00:09","date_gmt":"2014-10-19T12:00:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/?p=13476"},"modified":"2014-10-18T13:38:07","modified_gmt":"2014-10-18T17:38:07","slug":"are-we-prepping-our-kids-for-too-much-stress","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/?p=13476","title":{"rendered":"Are we ‘prepping’ our kids for too much stress?"},"content":{"rendered":"

A\u00a0few thoughts on\u00a0navigating\u00a0today’s increased anxiety-filled world<\/b><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

By Kim Chiomento<\/b>, Staff Writer, The Times<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"KimColLogo\"<\/a>As a teen in the 1980\u2019s, the terms \u201cprep, prepper, and preppy\u201d evoke strong memories of a serious <\/i>fashion statement: Tretorn tennis shoes, gravity-defying, up-turned collars, going sockless and the syrupy scent of Ralph Lauren\u2019s Lauren<\/i> perfume.\u00a0 The above was often tied together with snappy madras plaid and a happy little alligator logo somewhere on your body.<\/p>\n

30 years later, things have certainly changed.\u00a0 A tumultuous geopolitical landscape, terrorism, terrifying and unimaginable communicable diseases, societal violence and devastating natural disasters have helped to seriously reshaped the term \u2018prep\u2019 for the generation we are raising.<\/p>\n

The \u201cPreppers\u201d of today aren\u2019t interested in a fashion trend; but rather, a lifestyle and outlook as featured on Nat Geo\u2019s hit TV show, \u201cDoomsday Preppers.\u201d \u00a0As you may know or have seen, these individuals and families featured on this show invest a significant amount of time and resources into being prepared for whatever grave threat(s) they deem could threaten their existence. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

I think the part of the show\u2019s popularity, and related cultural \u201cprepping\u201d phenomenon, is based on people trying to take control in what certainly feels like a pretty out of control period in time. \u00a0The reality is, the level of preparedness featured on \u201cDoomsday Preppers\u201d (and yes, I am a fascinated, closet fan), while admirable and interesting, is not a reality for most American families, like mine.<\/p>\n

We don\u2019t have secret bunkers, haven’t made the time, space, or available resources to stockpile and hide enormous caches of canned goods, water, TP, gas masks or own a \u201cbug-out\u201d vehicle. (I am just simply trying to keep the stink<\/i> bugs O-U-T <\/i>of my mini-van.)\u00a0 My question is: \u00a0How can we instill a sense of security to our families, especially our kids, on a day to day basis while continuing to live our lives?<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve also been thinking about the combined effects of the above; and the very subtle, yet pervasive, sense of worry that is slowly sneaking into our homes, schools, conversations and routines as a result of external influences.\u00a0 I have felt it, have you?\u00a0 And, are we giving our kids a real chance and a venue to release these anxieties?<\/p>\n

Talk of hospital isolation units, people being quarantined, pandemics, war, beheadings, parents required to scan photo I.D. prior to entering schools, students regularly practicing lock-down and evacuation drills, school resource (police) officers, repeated school bomb threats, –the list goes on and on. \u00a0This, combined with the ever-present rumor mill that regurgitates dramatized misinformation on our kids\u2019 school buses, in lunchrooms and social media outlets I think is all seeping, rather sneakily, into their psyches.<\/p>\n

What are the effects of all these little negative nuances adding to our kids\u2019 stress levels who are already applying lots of academic, social and unknown personal pressures upon themselves? \u00a0\u00a0I don\u2019t know for sure, but have a sense it is not good; and believe it is brewing just below the surface for a lot of kids out there.<\/p>\n

Of course, there is the obvious option to shelter you children as much as possible; turn off the news, access to internet, home-school, and protect the confines of your home from external issues.<\/p>\n

However, my opinion is, much like the topics of drugs, sex, stranger safety and the responsibilities (and dangers) associated with the technology and easy access to social media that we possess today; our kids are going to hear about and experiment with it anyway.\u00a0 <\/i>And, information is often it is being presented to them via lots of often less-than-reliable or accurate sources.\u00a0 I\u2019d rather the information come from me and my husband, in a safe, controlled environment.<\/p>\n

My kids need the truth (and boy can they \u201cread\u201d me when I serve-up nothing less!) So, I have decided for my family, knowledge and truth (tempered with a healthy dose of age appropriateness) will be their power, preparedness, and anchor for rational thinking and sense of security amidst the crazy times we are in.<\/p>\n

How?\u00a0 While I have no medical or psychological credentials, (have I just lost some readers?) and in no way implying that the following is the perfect answer; but simply what we are choosing to do for our<\/i> kids and maybe you\u2019ll join me or perhaps find this approach helpful.<\/p>\n

I\u2019d like to think, despite my tweens\u2019 occasional grunting and under-their-breath mumbling \u201cMom is cray-cray<\/i>\u201d (translation = crazy), that I am relatively in touch and have a good pulse on their worlds. \u00a0Either I am really<\/i> onto something here, OR NOT, and in that case; I guess I\u2019ve given the kids some extra good material for their therapists someday; which was probably the case anyway, so whatever…<\/p>\n

Teaching social graces, kindness, seeking the truth, doing the right thing, good decision making, spirituality, respect for self and others, \u2013haven\u2019t we been \u201cprepping\u201d our kids for years with these messages and lessons?\u00a0 So here\u2019s my take on how we are \u201cprepping\u201d them to navigate today\u2019s societal challenges, increased anxieties and pressures. \u00a0I am trying to view it rationally as just the next step in a history of trying to help them be strong and prepared for what life hands them.<\/p>\n

Be Aware and Care<\/i><\/b>: When I first met my husband, and his family whom I adore; I always admired their lively, yet respectful, political discussions at family dinners, in car rides and family gatherings.\u00a0 The energized discussions resulted from an interesting mix of life-long Democratic, A-Political military, and Reagan-era Republican perspectives all thrown together.\u00a0 Wow, lively indeed.<\/p>\n

Regardless of positions and opinions, they were aware<\/i> and in-tune with the world around them.\u00a0\u00a0 Put simply, they cared. This was sort of new for me, and initially a bit overwhelming, but I came to love it and insist that this be a part of how we raise our kids.<\/p>\n

I want our kids to be engaged and not coast blindly through life, see how history really does repeat itself, (and what can we learn from it,) and also be informed before stepping out into the world on their own someday.<\/p>\n

We may or may not agree with each other, but kids, please make an effort to CARE and get informed about what is happening around you.\u00a0 And someday, when you exercise your right to vote; please take that responsibility seriously and not elect leaders based on slick ad campaigns and \u201ccoolness\u201d factor, but rather on substance and issues that are important to you and your loved ones.<\/p>\n

Na\u00efve and idealistic? Perhaps.\u00a0 But, I see these qualities as a direct correlation to future generations being prepared<\/i> for good decision making, and developing strong leaders who achieve a vision for a bright future with lessons learned from the past.<\/p>\n

We take a little time at our Sunday dinners (often the only time we are all gathered together), with family and close friends, to go around the table and talk about what we are thankful for this week.\u00a0 These thoughts usually parlay into discussing current events in a safe environment with caring adults and often involve several generations of different perspectives.\u00a0 These discussions sometimes are brief, sometimes are more in depth, but they<\/i> are happening<\/i>; which for me, is the most important step toward caring and being aware.<\/p>\n

Faith:<\/i><\/b>\u00a0 We go to church as often as possible; and encourage the kids to talk to God about their worries, fears and ask for guidance all while being sure to give thanks and not <\/i>just ask for things. \u00a0For us, it is the most important tool in finding strength and centering our perspectives.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s up? <\/i><\/b>\u00a0Thanks to my husband, our older children usually start their day out with a dose of current affairs and politics.\u00a0 He enjoys watching a morning show that we both agree (usually) provides a civil, thought-provoking discussion of the topics du jour; with less of a slant, sensationalized reporting, and abrasive banter than most other morning talk shows offer.<\/p>\n

While we may not always agree with the hosts\u2019 perspectives; it provides a great prompt and opportunity to talk about what is going on. \u00a0I think the older ones also enjoy that we include them in an \u201cadult\u201d activity and that we trust that they are mature enough to do so.\u00a0 And, without knowing it, the kids are often sharing their opinions and asking good questions about what is happening on national and international levels.\u00a0 We see it as just another venue to release their concerns, develop opinions and care about events in world around them.<\/p>\n

Our youngest?\u00a0 Well, she still is marching around requesting breakfast and wants to watch \u201cPaw Patrol<\/i>\u201d and not our morning show.<\/i> But of course, that is okay, we make that happen for her too, \u2013she\u2019s nowhere near being ready these discussions, hence my earlier age-appropriate reference.<\/p>\n

Life Skills<\/i><\/b>: Can your kids wash dishes, use a can opener, light a match and \u201ctune-in\u201d a non touch-screen device?\u00a0 Do they understand how to read medicine labels, dosing measurements and are aware of managing and communicating their own medical needs?\u00a0 Do they know where your home\u2019s emergency shut-off valves are and where to shelter in case of an emergency event?<\/p>\n

We are working on these simple life skills so that in an event of an emergency, they\u2019ve got some basics covered and have some sense of control over their situation.\u00a0 To my earlier point, knowledge is power.<\/p>\n

Resources:<\/i><\/b>\u00a0 A few years ago I signed-up at Ready Notify PA (you can Google this easily) to receive emergency texts, on my cell phone, from Chester County Emergency Management Services.<\/p>\n

This week, I plan on signing up my tweens\u2019 phones for the same.\u00a0 I think receiving accurate and timely alerts, in the event of any emergency, may help them feel safe and provide a level of comfort \u00a0for me should the unlikely situation arise that I am not able to be with them.\u00a0 With a forecast of another harsh winter, recent county-wide health alerts, and the possibility, albeit remote, of a national event -or- act of terrorism it is just one more resource for them to turn to.<\/p>\n

I wish we could \u201cfix\u201d our kids\u2019 worlds so that they had no worries; but that is simply not reality.\u00a0 I hope that facing concerns and fears head-on, in an informed and rational fashion, can help prepare them to navigate the increasingly complex issues and emotions that are certain to continue to present themselves.<\/p>\n

Kim Chiomento is a Staff Writer for The Times, mother of children in the Kennett Consolidated School District and active Kennett area community volunteer.<\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A\u00a0few thoughts on\u00a0navigating\u00a0today’s increased anxiety-filled world By Kim Chiomento, Staff Writer, The Times As a teen in the 1980\u2019s, the terms \u201cprep, prepper, and preppy\u201d evoke strong memories of a serious fashion statement: Tretorn tennis shoes, gravity-defying, up-turned collars, going sockless and the syrupy scent of Ralph Lauren\u2019s Lauren perfume.\u00a0 The above was often tied […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13475,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3497,4],"tags":[5366,1585,95,5367,973],"class_list":["post-13476","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-columns","category-featured","tag-anxiety","tag-education","tag-kids","tag-preppers","tag-stress"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13476","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=13476"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13476\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13477,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13476\/revisions\/13477"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/13475"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=13476"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=13476"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=13476"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}