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Crocodile Hunter: A Sobering Lesson for Kids
Steve Irwin, the internationally known naturalist aka "The Crocodile Hunter," met an unexpected and tragic death over this holiday weekend. While filming an ocean documentary, for which his young daughter was to be the host, he was killed by the venomous barb on a stingray. These animals are usually thought of as harmless and we're being told that only three known deaths have resulted from one of these stings.
While his death is a tragedy and all of our thoughts and prayers go to the family, it is a moment that will touch children especially. It was the kids who came to love this charming fellow in khaki shorts who wrestled gators to rescue them and talked knowledgably about the dangers that face wild animals. His exploits were probably responsible for kids wanting to learn more about animals and science and to read about these subjects. Irwin's influence is enormous.
Kids are going to want to talk about the loss because the media has covered it extensively. How do you handle their concern and their anxiety about going swimming? I'm sure they're asking, "If it can happen to Steve Irwin, can it happen to me?"
Sit down with the kids and let them talk about their thoughts, if they want to talk. Let the kids take the lead here and tell them that this was a terrible accident. Also tell them that one of the best things to do when walking in warm water is to shuffle your feet. Let them know that's what animal experts are advising. It is still safe to go swimming in the ocean or a lake or anywhere else. The thing that we always have to do is to remember to use good judgment, know basic beach safety rules, and follow the advice of adults in the area.
The lesson is one we may not have wanted to deal with right now with school just starting, but it can open up a dialogue that will extend into the school year. Remember that a calm, reassuring voice is needed and open-ended questions will help the children express themselves.
Related Topics: First Aid and Emergencies: Stingray Injury Treatment, Beach Safety 101
Technorati Tags: Steve Irwin, Crocodile Hunter, beach safety, stingray, first aid
While his death is a tragedy and all of our thoughts and prayers go to the family, it is a moment that will touch children especially. It was the kids who came to love this charming fellow in khaki shorts who wrestled gators to rescue them and talked knowledgably about the dangers that face wild animals. His exploits were probably responsible for kids wanting to learn more about animals and science and to read about these subjects. Irwin's influence is enormous.
Kids are going to want to talk about the loss because the media has covered it extensively. How do you handle their concern and their anxiety about going swimming? I'm sure they're asking, "If it can happen to Steve Irwin, can it happen to me?"
Sit down with the kids and let them talk about their thoughts, if they want to talk. Let the kids take the lead here and tell them that this was a terrible accident. Also tell them that one of the best things to do when walking in warm water is to shuffle your feet. Let them know that's what animal experts are advising. It is still safe to go swimming in the ocean or a lake or anywhere else. The thing that we always have to do is to remember to use good judgment, know basic beach safety rules, and follow the advice of adults in the area.
The lesson is one we may not have wanted to deal with right now with school just starting, but it can open up a dialogue that will extend into the school year. Remember that a calm, reassuring voice is needed and open-ended questions will help the children express themselves.
Related Topics: First Aid and Emergencies: Stingray Injury Treatment, Beach Safety 101
Technorati Tags: Steve Irwin, Crocodile Hunter, beach safety, stingray, first aid
