So a have a concerned parent, asking me why her three year old has been talking about killing lately. She goes on to say that she "doesnt see any disturbing or violence in her house" so she thinks she must be picking it up here. Although I do agree that group care, includes having our kids exposed to issues and situations that we might not be prepared to deal with, I totally disagree wih the notion that this is the only place she would hear or be exposed to the idea if "killing" I know for a fact that this little one has watched a lot of Disney movies, and I happened to think they are full of violence (both directly and subtle). I also happen to believe that kids pick up on things when we watch or listen to the news, even if they appear to be uninterested. On top of that adult conversation is constantly overheard, and although they may not understand the meaning, they certainly pick up words and ideas (for example,"The Liberals killed the Conservatives in this last election")
On top of that I am prone to believe that humans are violent and agressive inately, and that is does not need to be taught. For example, the way I see three years olds talk to their baby dolls, would make one wonder where they learn that?!?
Anyways, I need to address this as politically correct as I can, any suggestions?
BTW, there is no TV, movies , video games or toy weapons here at daycare, HOWEVER I know that kids will use anything they can as a weapon, and play make believe some pretty dark ideas, its not always cupcakes and rainbows. I also know that some simple stories and songs are actually really "violent" for example I have a book, about monkey teasing a crocodile, the crocodile goes SNAP and one by one the monkeys disappear.....in the end the monkeys are just hiding, but their mommy tells them to never tease a crocodile....