Emergency Service workers. How much to tell your kids

A wonderful caring father who took the time to calm his daughters fears and a hero in his own right, I know that firefighters don't like to be called hero's but it takes a very special person to do your job and just by you comforting your daughter it shows you are that special kind of person.

Oh yes, little ears can hear everything and sometimes through walls. You would be surprised at what they pick up. My husband was a firefighter since the age of 18 and a paramedic for the past 20 some years and even now that the kids are teenagers we have to be careful at how much we tell them.

All kids are different and what you tell one is not what you would tell the other. I think how you handled your daughter was about the best way you could. You let her know that you weren't going in the burning building because you wanted to but because it is your job and you don't go in alone, that you always have protection and others with you. When explaining to kids, especially at that age you have to keep things simple.  Way to go!!

My occupation and that of my partner can involve nasty and sometimes difficult situations. I have to admit that I don't want to know what Nick deals with on a daily basis - I start to imagine the nasty things and it does me no good. What I imagine might be ten times worse than the actual situation. He has his colleagues that he can discuss this with. Perhaps that's selfish, but having seen what I've seen, I don't want to take on any more. As far as children go, I would never want them to know what either Nick or I might deal with. You did well to allay her fears. You have potentially risky and dangerous situations you tackle, but the last thing a child needs to do is worry for you. I remember a time when I saw my Mum crying when I was young. I was distraught. I try my best not to show emotion infront of my children because they can't understand it. Good luck in shielding your children - I hope they don't have to worry for you. 

You did the right thing-calmed her fears! I had the kind of parents,wqho fought, and I ended up going to school in another Province the next day,not knowing anyone, and having NO idea why I was there...children are not idiots..