Tuesday 2 August 2016

The World Right Now.

Every night before I go to bed I gently push Alfie's door open (while cursing the door sign that makes a racket on opening) and hope I don't wake him. I creep in and tiptoe over to his bed, I gently tuck him back in from where he's escaped the covers and give him a kiss on the head. I tiptoe back out and head to Elarna's room. I stay in the room for a few minutes after tucking her in and watch her sleep, I love hearing her snuffly breathing and watching her chest rise and fall - I am so lucky. They are so unaware of everything around them. So carefree and so innocent. I want to protect them, I want to shield them but more and more I worry that I am unable to do this.


The world right now is a very angry place. This makes me incredibly sad. When I heard about the horrific attack recently on the Normandy church my heart sank. Another awful and unprovoked attack on innocent people going about their daily life. Not only did my heart break for the attack but for France also, they are being hit hard at the moment and it's just terrible. All these innocent lives that have been lost recently, families who have to learn to live without a loved one, wives without husbands and vice versa and children who will grow up without parents. When did the world become so twisted?





Often when I look at my children sleeping peacefully I wonder how I can protect them from these evils? How can I keep them safe? The fact of the matter is that I can't fully, this is the world we live in right now and as much I want to try and ensure their safety I can't desensitise them from everything in the world. Of course, at the moment they are both too little to understand what is going on but it's only going to be a matter of time before I feel we will have to talk things through with them - more so Alfie. When he starts school he will become exposed to more of the world, to bullying, to things not always being right, to disagreements and to people not always getting on and you know what, that's cool because this is life and that's ok, after all he has to learn that not everyone is nice. My worry is how can I protect him from being exposed to all the horrific things that are in the news at present, a difficult situation.




It's something that concerns me greatly, what is life going to be like for them in a few years time? How many more innocent people have to lose their life before someone realises that it actually achieves very little. It's something that unfortunately I am going to have to accept, my kids are going to grow up in a place that was very different to mine where I didn't have a care in a world. At one time the risk was playing out the front and potentially being snatched by a paedophile but now it's much bigger than this...... is it safe to get on a train or plane, are we going to get bombed or attacked? How utterly sad that I don't feel I want to take my kids into central London?! Plus my husband commutes and works in Canary Wharf adding to my concerns. I certainly wouldn't feel safe taking them on the tube, although I have in the past but not without caution. Regardless of all this evil in the world I will not let them take away my kids childhood so we will continue to do enjoyable touristy things around the country and I will try not to let it concern me too much . I do think that we should all be aware and when we do visit tourist spots it is probably always going to at the back of my mind, what if something were to happen. Of course, I don't go through every day thinking this otherwise I would turn into a nervous wreck but I guess we just don't know where the next attack will be. It could, unfortunately be anywhere at anytime.


Terrorists/extremists won't win though, I won't let them, I will not let them ruin my kids childhood, I'm extremely angry at them for trying but I will do my utmost to protect my children and shield them from the evil in this world.


Three Monkeys, Three Wise Monkeys, Ancient Icon
Image courtesy of pixabay.

This got me thinking, how do other Mums and Dads feel about this? Do we all feel a bit concerned or should we try not to be too worried about it. So, I threw it out for discussion and asked some fellow bloggers for their thoughts. There was a big response and the answers were mixed. Have a read!

Sarah my lovely friend from run jump scrap doesn't tend to worry unless something had just happened in a nearby city, her hubby the other hand is much more concerned especially if any sort of risk. 

Steph who blogs over at hellobabyblog says she feels more wary but gets on with things as doesn't want to live her life in fear. She does say that she would be more cautious going to stadiums and larger events that are perhaps more of a target.

Mel from diary of a jewellery lover was actually in Orlando at the times of the Pulse nightclub shootings, she says it's important to take sensible precautions but tries not to let it worry her too much otherwise the terrorists/extremists will have won.

Dave on the other hand is quite philosophical and feels if it's going to happen it will happen and doesn't let it worry him, he feels there is no point in hiding away for something that may or may not happen. Dave blogs at The Dadventurer.

First time valley mam, Jo says you can't let them win and as she works in large stadiums and has had terrorist training feels herself and her colleagues are prepared but thinks it could happen anywhere in the country not necessarily just in cities as such.

Tim who blogs at slouching towards thatcham thinks that life goes on and doesn't worry about it. He thinks you are more likely to get killed in a road accident than a terrorist attack -  he probably does have a point there!


Balance, Beach, Blue, Coastline, Heap, Ocean, Peace

Kate from counting to ten blog says she's ok taking her kids into London herself but worries massively if someone else was to take them as she feels she would go to extreme lengths to protect them. Kate makes sure that when her children to go out without her they go with lots of contact numbers just in case something were to happen. 

Sarah who blogs at arthur wears feels hugely concerned and paranoid about an attack, like my husband hers commutes to London and we both feel a bit concerned at this. She says it's hard not to feel a little fearful about it. 

Beth over at twinderlemo feels it wouldn't stop her travelling even though it's at the back of her mind. She feels the media has played a big part in scaremongering and I feel that she is most definitely right there. 

Chantelle from mama mummy mum worries somewhat but feels life can't go on hold for the 'what ifs', we can't let the fear stop us living.

Louise who blogs over at a strong coffee to go says it does worry her to a degree but it certainly doesn't impact on her life or stops her enjoying things. 

Emmys mummy Claire tries not think about it and echoes Tims thoughts as said above  -you are more likely to have a car accident than be involved in a terrorist attack.

Kids days out reviews  blogger Joannne was actually in Brussels last week for international day, she didn't think anything of safety until her friend mentioned it . Joanne felt reassured that there was alot of security  however they didn't venture into the city centre.

Emma, farmers wife and mummy on the other hand is petrified and has actually stopped going to cities and even to the Trafford Centre. She now does most shopping online and feels like she would rather cocoon her children than take the risk. It's something that very much worries her.

Pamela from life with munchers feels absolutely fine in her home town but is filled with worry and on heightened alert at other places.

Natalie who blogs at diary of an unexpected mother says even though her family life half an hour out of London with a husband that works big events the thought doesn't cross her mind unless someone mentions it (sorry Natalie!).

Lastly and the one comment that stuck out for me was from Sarah at twins make five - the recent attacks have made Sarah more determined to show her children the world and to travel as a family. She wants to expose her children to different cultures and ways of life to broaden their minds and make them tolerant of differences. 

I was actually blown away by the amount of people who commented on this topic, I would have loved to have featured everyone but would have been here all night. I would say that the general consensus seems to be that we should not be fearful and try not to worry otherwise these extremists will think that they have achieved what they want and have won. That being said most people did say that at the back of their mind there is absolutely some concern and worry for the safety of ourselves and children.

So please tell me, what are your thoughts? Concerned or not so?

Best of Worst

36 comments:

  1. Thanks for including my thoughts on this - it is nice to find out what other people think and feel and also great to know it really isn't just me that worries about these things! Xx Sarah - Arthurwears

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  2. Thank you for the mention. Very interesting post and I loved reading all the contributions and points of view.

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  3. This really resonates with me as it's something I give thought to more and more as yet another terrible atrocity is plastered across the news. While I agree with a lot of what the other bloggers have said about how they try not to worry and like Tim says reason with the fact that you're more likely to die in a road accident. With the terrorist attacks appearing to be a weekly event, I can't help but worry. I want to shield my son from the evils but at the same time enjoy the childhood he has to look forward to just like I did. I'll never understand this world and some of its inhabitants but that's a post for another time I guess. #bestandworst

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  4. Wow what a post. I think that's is always interesting to see what others things about certain situations. Before becoming a mum I was a worrier and now I have Amelia i am an even bigger worrier. I think it's natural to feel that way as a parent, we feel the need to protect them at any cost! #BestAndWorst

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  5. I'm concerned that if something ever did happen my kids wouldn't survive. The boys have autism and don't get things. Someone says get down on the floor, one will ignore them and the other one will ask why. But in reality they need to be kept safe on a daily basis and that is what takes the time. I love them all dearly.

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  6. We can only do what we can do. Though frightening times, I cannot let this completely wrap my kids in cotton wool...though I really want to. Very thought provoking. #bestandworst

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  7. So beautiful to know how innocent kids are. Sometimes, I wish I was a kid again... Now for all the horrors happening lately, I hate reading about it but life must go on and we can't live worrying about everything. But Iit's true that sometimes I can't stop thinking 'London is next'...#bestandworst

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  8. It is scary and sad, but we have to do the best to be the best for our children. As you say we cannot let them win. Very beautiful and thought provoking post! #bestandworst

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  9. It is so scary but I do tend to agree with Tim that the odds are against us getting caught up in a terrorist attack, versus something more 'everyday' like a car accident. And actually when we were growing up there were loads of terrorist attacks but we probably didn't hear about them as much as we were kids, and also there was no social media, so it was easier for our parents to shield us from the news. That said, I do feel nervous when I take the kids to London. xx #bestandworst

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  10. This post is written, it makes me want to cry when I think about all of the wrong that has happened in the world in this last year alone. Just reading through other peoples views, my brother-in-law was also in Orlando when that attack took place. It was an incredibly worrying time but unfortunately not everyone was so lucky :(.

    #BestandWorst

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  11. I try and keep it to the back of my mind as much as possible, otherwise I'd go nuts. I really worry about what type of world we are leaving for this next generation, but it can't be something I constantly obsess on #bestandworst

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  12. I totally agree with the reasoning that we are far more likely to be killed in a road accident than in a terrorist attack. That being said I am actually incredibly nervous of driving, and so all crowded events and city centres do now make me feel as though I need to watch my back and I am very hesitant to take my children anywhere like this. We have just cancelled flights to Majorca next year and will be driving to Spain instead. I don't want my children to miss out on experiences, but by the same token I feel responsible for their safety and was to avoid certain situations to protect them where I can. Totally irrational I know, but once the thought gets in your head it can be hard to shift can't it? Thanks for sharing this lovely, and for hosting #bestandworst xx

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  13. I know what you mean but I try not to think about it - I know it sounds harsh and it's not that I don't care but we can't change these things so why worry about it? There's enough to worry about as it is! #bestandworst

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  14. very true but for most there is little you can do other then just continue as normal and don't let them create too much fear that will influence your day to day activity X #bestandworst

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  15. Brilliant post allthough I agree with you I also agree with Dave if it happens nothing will stop it so just live without worrying certainly do very thought provoking post thanks for hosting

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  16. This is a brilliant post, something that I struggle with because I am a natural born worrier so I do panic but I try to not let it effect our lives. We do still go into London on occasion, and I am actually planning an overnight trip in a couple of weeks to London which will just be me and the children, I think I will probably feel a little nervous but I need to remind myself like some of the comments above there is probably more chance of a road accident or something happening.

    We were in Paris at Disneyland during the Euro and on the day of the EU referendum we went into Paris, I got really panicked there were police literally everywhere and we came out of one shop on the Champs Elysee and about 10 police cars came speeding down the road with the lights on.

    #BestandWorst

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  17. Great post - really interesting to see everyones opinions! I change my mind daily on this. Sometimes I'm really scared of what's to come, other days I feel I am so far removed from it I can't see a reason to be scared #bestandworst

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  18. It is indeed such a scary time right now. There seems to be so much intolerance and prejudice. When attacks are happening in France and Germany, so close to home, you can't help but feel worried. I'm concerned that Manchester might be a target but you can't stop living your life because of those people. We have to carry on living in the moment, loving and enjoying life and showing our kids the same.

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  19. It is an awful time right now, there seems to something in the news everyday be it a mass shooting or terrorist attack or something else. I don't let it change how I live my life, I wouldn't stop travelling to London, Paris, Munich or anywhere else I would just take sensible everyday precautions #bestandworst

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  20. It's a massive concern for me. I suffer with extreme anxiety anyway, and every time I hear of one of these atrocities I have a panic attack because it terrifies me so much. Like Farmers Wife & Mummy, I avoid London completely and refuse to take my children there - I'm also very cautious about taking them anywhere in bigger cities or to big attractions or events that I feel could be targeted, I wouldn't even go to our towns carnival this year (It was the day after the Nice attack and I couldnt bring myself to face it) - I'm in therapy at the moment to try and deal with my emotions on the subject, but I do feel a bit put out when people say that me not taking my kids to places is letting terrorists win - I understand where they're coming from but I don't want my children to see me having panic attacks or feel my fear in these places because that would have so much more of a negative effect on them than us simply avoiding those places would, you know? xxx

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  21. Yes it scares and upsets me too. It doesn't stop me from doing what I'd normally do, but yes, its always lurking at the back of my mind. The 'what-ifs'. So terrible to be bringing up our innocent children in such times.
    #bestandworst

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  22. This is such a raw and real post. This world really does make me nervous, especially now I have a daughter. I found myself in a busy town centres food court earlier this week, looking round at what my steps would be if something happened. It's awful we have to think this way, but unfortunately this isn't a perfect world. In terms of my child, as parents we will do anything and go to any length to ensure their safety, but at the same time I won't shy away from trips out etc. I want my children to have happy memories. To look back when they are older and only remember the good and the laughter that I hopefully can bring them, in a world that too often brings sadness. Thanks for a beautiful, thought provoking post #bestandworst

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  23. I agree with you and it makes me so worried and scared for my family. However, I also feel that you can't live like that and have carry on enjoying life regardless - in ways I do agree that what will be will be. Fab post xx #bestandworst

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  24. Thanks for co hosting! SUch an honest and poignanyt blog. I am the same but determined not to let it rule us.
    I often have this dilemma as Im a journalist so i dont want to hide things from my kids and them to discover elsewhere but somethings are just too horrific to share with them its very tricky xx

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  25. PS: just wondering how you got followers widget with the follow button underneath ( on the right hand side) of your blog? I use blogger too so im always looking for handy tips! xx

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  26. Yes I am concerned and scared. I wonder often what kind of world they are going to grow up in, such terrible times for innocent minds. Oh and I do the sneaking into the bedroom and watch them for a moment thing too, my husband sometimes thinks I have got lost :) #bestandworst

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  27. I think us as parents will never truly stop worrying, living in Kenya who faced many attacks these past few yeaars makes me worry every time we go to a shopping mall or a public place with our little one because you never know where will be targeted next.. however we can't stop living our lives, all we can do is pray for better times and pray for the world #bestandworst

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  28. The 70s and 80s were also busy times for terrorism, I was just too small to understand it.
    I remember being aware of terrorist events like the IRA and hijackings and Terry Waite / Brian Keenan but not understanding the context or background.

    This was a time before the Internet and instant access news. Our kids are growing up with an environment we only knew about from the evening news or daily newspapers rather than eye witness accounts and live streaming executions.

    I don't even know where to start...

    #bestandworst

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  29. I'm concerned generally about the state of the world, and I try to tech my children about kindness and understanding, and about charity and helping those less fortunate. With regard to terrorism, I agree with the majority of your fellow bloggers - I would be cautios in a place I would consider high risk eg a major city, but I wouldn't let it stop me going. Thanks for opening up this interesting debate. #BestandWorst

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  30. Negative news sells. Not hearing or watching the news is sheer bliss. #bestandworst

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  31. Such an interesting post. It's really great reading everyone's opinions to see what other people are thinking on this subject. I must admit it does worry me and I would be nervous going to any big events or in to London. Ab attack can happen anywhere at any time though and that concerns me a lot too. I want to teach my son to be accepting of all cultures though and to not let fear of something that might never happen ruin his childhood. I wish the news would report more on good things that are happening and not just all the bad!xx #bestandworst

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  32. It seems every day we wake up to news of some other horror story somewhere in the world and I won't lie, it scares the crap out of me. Everytime I see a story, I think 'what kind of world have I brought my little boy into?'. I'm probably one of those that tries to put it to the back of mind and carry on regardless. If they think we are frightened then they've won. We still go on holidays abroad and we still do daytrips out. But I guess there is always that niggle of alarming doubt. #bestandworst

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  33. Such an interesting read. I'm the same as you, I fear for what is to come for my children and I pray everyday that they won't grow up in a world that is becoming increasingly violent and dangerous by the day. I really admire those that it doesn't affect, I wish I could pop it to the back of my mind too. The fear does play a big part in our decisions now, we don't stay cooped up of course but I won't venture in to popular places at peak times, because these attacks are so random I'd never want to be at risk. It's such an awful situation and the terrorists can't win because they're not playing any game, it's mindless acts of devastation. I hope one day they feel the heartache that these poor families have had to experience. Although I don't think it'd be possible for those without a heart x #bestandworst

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  34. It's such a worry and you're not alone. I try to focus each day on the positives and enjoy every minute that I can because if I began to worry about this stuff I would never stop xx #bestandworst

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  35. It's such a worry and you're not alone. I try to focus each day on the positives and enjoy every minute that I can because if I began to worry about this stuff I would never stop xx #bestandworst

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  36. I'm a very anxious person & I worry about all sorts of things that could happen. However, interestingly, there is apparently not a higher incidence of any of these things currently - if anything, it's lower. Funny how the way the media reports affects our perceptions. When you stop and think about it though, you realise that we, & the generations before us, grew up the shadow of the Troubles, and it has kind of faded from memory now. IRA attacks were a real and frequent risk and everyone was kind of used to it. I was evacuated from school once due to a bomb threat & that wasn't exactly uncommon in the eighties. Then there was Iran, Iraq, Libya, the Cold War, Kosovo, the Lebanon, Rwanda, Apartheid, etc, etc. I'm not really sure where I'm going here, as I agree there are many frightening & upsetting things in the world & that is particularly concerning when you have children...but maybe it isn't really worse exactly? #bestandworst

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