Not Yet

You know how Chick-fil-A has those Value Tales in their kids meals? Well, for those of you who know me well, this is a book loving house but I have to admit I came close to throwing one of those books away a few weeks ago. I couldn't do it though. I ended up hiding it in Milo's bookcase. Apparently Chick-fil-A has decided that we really need this specific edition though because we got the same book again last night - so far we are 2 for 2.

I am sure it is a perfectly lovely book. All about helping, being a good person and... slavery. It is Harriet Tubman, The Value of Helping and again, I am sure it is a fine book. My issue with it is that my son is 4. And his father is black. And in a perfect world I would be happy if Milo never had to even hear about slavery.

I know. I know we will have that conversation and many, many more. But not yet. Milo is in such a diverse school that his darker skin color has never even been a question. Truthfully, in his class, kids like him are in the majority. It is the way of the future and yet... there looms the discussion about slavery.... and discrimination... and hatred that continues in today's world.

I am content for Milo's biggest concern to be that one of his friends did not feel like playing with him today. I know. I know those bigger issues will lay themselves upon his heart and inevitably it will be before I am ready. We won't shy away. We will talk and explain and hopefully help him understand these ideas that are almost impossible to understand even with a lifetime of exposure. But not yet.