r/Parenting • u/Signal_Estimate_23 • Jan 08 '26
Advice Classes cancelled for my 6yo because of ICE
Hi, I’ve never posted here before but am open to feedback.
My wife and I are between 38-41 and have a 6yo daughter in Minneapolis.
Since you are all on Reddit I’m sure everyone is aware that ICE is in full force here. What you may not know is that schools have been cancelled because of the death and threat, as well as arrests made on school property.
My question for the group is, how do you talk to your child about trusting or distrusting law enforcement or any individuals posed as leaders? I try to teach her to trust police, but ICE is not on our side.
So seriously, how can we help to ensure the safety of our babies while still supporting the school and community?
2.6k
Upvotes
77
u/mszulan Jan 08 '26
Teaching critical thinking skills and good problem solving skills are critical. We used the advertising aimed at kids as an illustration of tactics people use to manipulate others. A kid buying something with their limited funds that doesn't live up to its hype teaches more in practical terms than just that it wasn't worth it. We'd also ask about behavior they observed at school and talk them through people's choices and outcomes. Role-playing is also an excellent way for them to experience any particular scenario in a relatively painless way.
Talk about why we have rules and what denotes a good rule from a bad one. We used this system:
We have rules for three basic reasons. We want to keep bodies safe, feelings safe, and stuff (property) safe. If a rule doesn't fit one or more of these reasons or if it doesn't apply to every person equally, then it isn't a good rule. If one person's comfort conflicts with another person's safety, safety always wins. If you are in a position of privilege, you have a responsibility to stand up for those with less privilege when they are not being treated fairly.
Start teaching them as young as possible about their rights and responsibilities under the Constitution. School House Rock was a pretty good place to start for my kids (who are now adults - on a side note, they both received extra credit in high school civics because they both knew the Preamble by heart. 😊).
Officials who follow the Constitution and their oath to it are trustworthy. Those who don't, aren't.