Today my kids had their yearly intruder drill. I want to say upfront that I appreciate the strides the public schools in my community have gone to, to address the possibility of an active shooter, but I think they can do better. A(my 10 year old)- Mom we had an active shooter drill today. The teacher told us to lock the door and hide and to be quite. It was really scary because someone was pounding on the door, but even though the man said he was a policeman, we didnt open the door or make a sound. Me- That is awesome Did they teach you what to do it the bad guy is able to get through the door? Blank look from A Me-A, if the bad guy is able to open the door what did the teacher tell you to do? Blank look. I took her to our bathroom and told her to pretend it is her classroom and to do everything the teacher taught her to do. She closes the door and locks it. I bust in(dont tell my husband) and I look her in the eyes, Now what? A- I dont know. Me- Do you think bad guys are ever able to make it into a classroom? A- Not really sure how to answer, she says yes. Has a bad guy ever any hurt kids in a school before? Me- Yes. Pause Me- So, he makes it into your classroom. What do you do? A Hide? Me- Where? A- Run I put her back in the classroom and bust in. Where are you going to run? A- I would call the cops. Me- That is a great idea. Someone did that, but it takes time to drive there. The bad guy is in your classroom, what do YOU do? She again looks at me stunned. Me- You think the bad guy could hurt you, you have no where to run or hide and the police arent there yet. What do you do? A-I fight. Me in a very hushed tone and choked up say, yes, you fight. It take me a minute to compose myself(internally. I was composed outwardly) because even thinking that harm could come to my child is enough to stop me from breathing. I ask, How, how do you fight? A- I know this. You taught me. I would throw things and keep throwing them and I would fight until I couldnt fight anymore. The conversation went on for a bit longer, but thats the bulk of it. This is not the first intruder drill that A has experienced. She is in 4th grade and has had one every single year since kindergarten, but this is the first year we have had this straight forward of a conversation. Prior to tonight, I didnt think she would fully understand and while important, I want to give my children tools they can handle and that includes knowledge. Please note: This is not advice. What you do or do not teach your children is entirely up to you. My entire blog and FB has been about my personal journey and I share what I think might be of interest or encouraging others to think.
Posted on: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 21:25:02 +0000
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