Sandusky Allegations Force Parents to Up Their Game

I’m a wimp.

I’ve neglected to sit down with my 9-year-old to have that . I keep telling myself he’s just a little too young … maybe after Christmas when he’s closer to those double digits. Yes, that’s when we’ll have "the talk."

I didn’t realize "the talk" would suddenly have to .

But life carries on, doesn’t it? We can try our very hardest to shelter our children from the "dark side," but it’s not always possible. 

History is in the making whether it’s the fall of the Twin Towers or a schmuck like Jerry Sandusky. These are the events that are unfolding in front of our children’s eyes.

When the first hit the media, I thought, “Great … NOW what do I have to do to keep this far from my boys’ understanding?”

But that’s a bad perspective I suppose. It’s painful to have to peel away another layer of innocence. But it’s necessary, especially when it’s plastered all over the television.

During a recent Penn State football game, the newly appointed President Rodney Erickson appeared during commercial break. He spoke confidently as he discussed the mess that has surrounded my alma mater.

The first time it aired, I glanced at my son, hoping he wouldn’t ask questions. Then it appeared again … and again. By the third time, I felt it was my cue to start the dreaded conversation.

“Do you know what’s happening with Penn State right now?” I asked him.

Curled up in our brown love seat, covered with a fleece blanket, he was so pure and so unaware that I hated to destroy the moment. But it was time.

I cozied up next to him and recalled a conversation we had in the Las Vegas Airport this past summer.

While waiting for our flight to depart, my husband ran to grab coffee while I sat with the boys, my youngest asleep on the chair next to me. My oldest had to use the bathroom, which was in view of the gate. I told him to be quick and be aware of who was around him.

“If anyone tries to do anything to you, start to scream and run away as fast as you can,” I directed him.

“Mom,” he replied with a chuckle, “We just went through the security gate! What do you think could happen to me?”

So here we were, about to peel that next layer from his childhood innocence.

I explained how some people are sick in their heads. They enjoy doing bad things to other people, sometimes children. It was a tough conversation, but he received the information quietly. He didn’t have much to say, but confirmed that he “got it.”

Open communication is key to raising our children. It isn’t easy. But we need to maintain a trust like no other if we want to bring healthy, responsible adults into this world.

Thanks, Sandusky, for pushing me even further to be the parent I need to be.