Childhood moments that stay with you

An email from a reader:
In reading your article about the challenger tragedy and kids.This brought to my mind…Prescient Kennedy being assassinated. I was in grade school. We were watching the parade when we saw what was happening in front of us. The nuns who were our teachers immediately moved the TV’s out so we couldn’t see anymore. And then there was some discussion on what we had witnessed.
When I got home my father was waiting for my questions. I am the oldest of 3 kids and the elder male.
Our talk was about the bad people…somewhat like yours. I was born in 1952. And went to Catholic schools through High school.

An email from a reader:

Over breakfast this morning, I read your “talking about tragedy” article. I’m sure many parents have lamented over this very topic (unfortunately, the world gives us too many opportunities). I have a question for Steve Franklin though: I was surprised by Steve Franklin’s suggested line using the descriptors “bad” man and “scary” things … which to me would seem to add to drama and fear, perhaps a few nightmares for the children. Recognizing children’s range of understanding is limited, I’m wondering whether it would be better to say something like, “A very angry man did some very bad things and some people were terribly hurt by what he did.” Seems the word “scary” makes a child feel fear if not already feeling it, and a shame to teach how to label someone “bad” rather than his actions. [I did know Cookie Thornton briefly as a dedicated volunteer for various things in Kirkwood, always willing to help. He was not a bad man, but rather extremely troubled, proud, and I think at the end spiritually lost, lonely and afraid.]

Thanks for addressing a tough topic and for sharing the impact your father’s actions had on you. I, too, remember the one (and only) time my father cried; it is indelible, and makes an impact on the children regarding the parent’s capacity to feel and care