Blog
Happy Ending
Written by Holly M. Hohlbein Monday, 07 November 2005 00:00
My middle child went missing yesterday. Fortunately it has a happy ending: she and her friends had taken a "shortcut" which led them to an unfamiliar part of the neighborhood. Darkness fell and they became disoriented. They eventually found their way back, but not before triggering panic among several sets of parents, all of us deeply regretting the freedom we had allowed the girls. It is tempting to think that we can spare our kids suffering and danger if only we form a shield between them and life events that can hurt them. The truth is, we can't. There will always be such things in their lives, and ours too. Instead, we can focus on the teaching potential ("what did you learn about taking shortcuts/going so far at dusk/not taking a cell phone?"). We can also reinforce what went right ("you stayed together/didn't panic/asked directions"). Finally, the aftermath when the crisis has passed can bring waves of indescribable joy as we count our precious blessings. I'd like to tell you that that is how I responded when my kid went missing. Would you believe me?
