6yr old has been asking to go see July 4th fireworks. And while I feel no particular measure of patriotism, as it has been appropriated by the foulest of people, I almost feel compelled to take her because what if this Independence Day is the last Independence Day in which we are free in the USA?
Fuck.
This whole thing… all this democracy hanging by a thread fucking shit is next level when you have to explain it to someone so full of optimism and big dreams and love for the entire world.
I am just so fucking scared that all the worst things will come to be. If someone could please coach me through how to parent in the fall of democracy, that’d just be great.
The last 7 yrs or so has been a wild fucking ride and I have done my best. But is it any wonder my child and so many others are riddled with anxiety? We’re hanging on by our fingernails half the time. Gnawing them off the rest of it.
@poemblaze preserving her hope and happiness is honestly what has kept me going through so many things. I just hope I can keep doing what I have to do for her, even when I feel so infinitely disappointed with life.
@MotherDucker
I have no children but my parents raised me and my sister in the dying days of state socialism. Their parents had raised them in straight-up totalitarianism. Yes, every one of these three generations is fucked up and dysfunctional. But we all had joy and innocence and fun while growing up. We all turned out good people - albeit good people with issues. I have faith that if it comes to it, you will continue to ace the art of parenting even if the shitshow ossifies into dictatorship
@publickovacs my anxiety is just in free fall I think, at present. It haunts me in ceaseless “if this then that” scenarios.
@MotherDucker
I understand. Sending encouraging hugs.
@MotherDucker I mean, I don't know but reassuring your child that you will not change and the immediate circumstances won't change might be calming. You're still mom. Favorite games, toys, and shows still exist. Your routines are still the same.
@SaltyVeruca I know these things to be true. We made it through Covid which we thought was the most horrible and unthinkable thing that would ever happen.
I don’t how to keep from cracking.
I want to be like my parents who never let us see how bad things were. Those troubles were mostly my health uncertainties, my parents’ finances & my mom being accused of being a communist (she’s been woke long before it was called woke & she taught first grade in a really redneck school district.)
@MotherDucker I don't think not letting children "see" the bad when they clearly know something is up is necessarily the best. They know. Kids are very smart and you're not your child's only influence. They hear. They may read, etc. I think don't bite off more than you can chew, offer more explanation than necessary, and answer questions honestly, even if you're afraid. Small kids need trust, the info they can handle, and security. You're doing great, mama. Have fun at the fireworks!
@MotherDucker And just so you don't think I'm a crank, I do have early childhood development and teaching experience, although that was high school. Overall, surprisingly little difference. 😏
@SaltyVeruca I don’t think you’re a crank. I think you’re an angel for meeting my doom spiral with some needed reminders.
@MotherDucker Nah, just a parent myself. Go to fireworks and enjoy. It's a moment in time for your child. Make it special. 💕
@MotherDucker Just try to carry for your child what they're too young to handle. Perhaps look at things through your child's eyes and see the joy that is also present now.