Yesterday, my daughter’s school experienced a Lockdown. This was not a drill as most schools have to do early in the year to prepare for a possible cause. I am very thankful for the school’s administration keeping us up-to-date via email and text messages. If you’re a parent and have the option to sign up for text alerts for your child’s school, please do so. We all know we check texts much faster than emails these days.

Once home we discussed what happened and her feelings towards the day. Obviously she was scared and after hearing her describe the day, I can’t blame her. When in the situation, students may not know what is exactly happening because the teachers and administrators main goal is to protect. Information is provided later and it was. But in the heat of the moment, the stories of other schools that have been put in lockdown can cloud one’s mind.

It’s truly sad that our youth must endure the trials and tribulations of going to school these days. Then I started thinking of my childhood and the trials we faced. I grew up in a predominantly Black city. My parents had us in the better area of town, but crime is crime and we grew up with the statement a bullet has no name. We didn’t have lockdowns like there are today. Although we should have. Gang wars were big during my school days and you became very aware of your surroundings at all times. But most children in today’s society are bread from a different cloth. This is a new generation and the ways of my generation may not always work with them. This generation has always known a level of high protection. But they are still children and need to be comforted after an experience as such.

Most schools should have a lockdown plan in place. Sad I know, but its good to know the school can execute if needed. Also as scary as it can be, talking about this concern with your child(ren) can be helpful. I know we never want to put unnecessary ideas in our children’s head but if you feel they are of age and can handle it, it can help them be calm in a dangerous situation. Let’s hope we do not have to experience this again.

~KNH