“Mama, what’s a riot?”
A question I never thought she’d ask.
But it is a question I answered, before a long conversation on what is happening in our country, and the way that we can stand up,
be a voice,
and help out.
“You know all of those times when you guys have gotten so mad at something that you’ve thrown your toys, or kicked the wall, or slammed a door?
You know how sometimes you maybe make choices when you’re angry that are not the very best ones?
How sometimes you feel so mad you can’t even see the right thing to do?
You know how all those times I have told you afterwards that I want you to tell me what has made you upset, and I promise to try to my best to help you;
but you also need to be responsible for your actions when you are mad, too?”
My 8 year old nodded.
Our children are watching.
Our children understand.
“Well, right now lots of people are really angry.
Some of our brothers and sisters are asking for our help,
and some are doing things like throwing things.
Lots of people have been speaking up hoping someone will help them,
but some people have so much anger and hurt inside they do not even know what to do with it.
Now, when we get that angry,
it doesn’t mean what we are mad about is wrong,
because anger has a rightful place,
and because what all these people are mad about is so so important to hear about.
That’s what a riot is.
It’s angry people making choices that are not good ones because they are angry and feel like they aren’t being heard.”
“Mama, you know what always helps me when I’m mad like that?”
“What, Honey?”
“It’s when you just tell me you love me.
It’s when you just sit with me and
help me breathe.”
And picturing all the times I’d held both her hands and we had taken some deep breaths together,
once again I reached for one who calls me “Mama,”
and said,
“Yes, Honey.
That’s exactly what this is about.”
This article was written by a guest blogger. The opinions expressed here are those of the writer and do not reflect the opinions of Bob Lacey, Sheri Lynch or the Bob & Sheri show.
Mom Outnumbered
Hi! My name is Kerri Green; Wife to Justin, and mother to four highly entertaining daughters -Alena, Chloe, Tessa, and Paige. I am an artist, a writer, a daycare provider, a lover of people, a believer that there is humor and beauty in all things, and the author of Mom Outnumbered; a blog about real family life, and my observations of it. My goal is to make people laugh, to be there for them when they cry, and most importantly, to let them know that they are not at all alone in this up and down world. I live with my family in Sebastopol California, and I am opening the window into our life. So welcome! Come in. Sit down. Just please don’t mind the mysterious wet spots.
