Greg Hartnett

My beautiful girl is 6 today. I can’t believe that I have a six year old child. For those of you without kids, move on to the next blog. I am sure you will be bored with this. For those of you with kids, maybe some of what I say will ring true.

The world is a scarey place. It has always been a scarey place. We lived through the Cold War, with the threat of nuclear holocaust always lurking. Now, the flavor of fear is a bit further south than the Soviet Union, and is more easily recognized. As sure as I can be, the flavor will change in the years to come, but there will always be the proverbial Boogey Man.

Though my daughter is smart enough to realize that the monsters she sees on TV are make believe, she is not yet wise enough to know that there are indeed monsters amongst us. It would be a lot nicer if they looked like they did on TV - that way, we would know who they are, where they are, and what to do with them. But what about when the monster looks like this or this? When monsters walk amongst us, how can we teach out children to properly protect themselves. How can a parent teach their child to love their neighbor without exposing them to the inherent dangers?

I teach my children not to talk to strangers. Of course, never get into a stranger’s car. Never take anything from a stranger. Never let a stranger in the house. I also teach my children that people are good. All people deserve respect, and we should always try to treat others with love and compassion. No matter what they look like, where they are from, if they are rich or poor. I teach my childen that all life is sacred - from our own to the smallest insect.

At night I lay in bed (or on the couch if my bed is full), and worry. I worry a lot. Mostly I worry about my kids. I worry about the job I am doing with them. I worry that I am not patient enough. I worry that I am not consistent enough in what I teach them. I worry about their financial future. I worry about somebody hurting them. I worry that I worry too much.

When I wake, I worry less. In the hustle and bustle of the day, it is not difficult to let the worry wane to a dull throb. I will continue to teach my kids to be careful. I will continue to teach my kids to love, show compassion, and respect others. I will continue to encourage my kids to question authority. I will shower them with encouragement, praise, and kindness. And yes, I will continue to worry.