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
32 Comments:
What a nice blog to help the parents and kids deal with this.
Such a tragedy for such a nice man.
If you know anything about "the croc. hunter" aka Steve Irwin... you're probably already aware, he truly wasan Aussie Legend
It was almost impossible to watch him (either wrestling a crocodile, or educating young kids about our wildlife) and not feel incredibly motivated and inspired.
Steve's final wish was to be remembered as passionate... passionate about our wildlife, nature, and preserving it all for the benefit of future generations.
We'll miss you man! Farewell :)
He was such a well-liked superhero for youth. Why create a movie depicting his death to dampen their spirits and see Steve Irwin contrary to their views.
Yes, do talk about him!! Children loved him. Adults loved him. Steve Irwin was the most passionate, enthusiastic, genuine person--I cannot rave enough about him! There will never be another! He was truly loved by millions of people around the world. God bless his family in having to deal with such a tragic loss! We will certainly miss him!
Steve Irwin died doing what he loves most and with the wild animals that he was so passionate about - the whole world mourns his loss - but especially here in OZ - we have lost an Aussie icon, a wonderful ambassador and a great bloke - but the work he started will continue im sure with his wife, daughter Bindi and his dad Bob. rest in peace Steve!
steve was cool he was an educational tool for nature buffs all around
I'm so sad to hear of this man's passing. He was so full of life and seemed to enjoy everything he did. My thoughts are with his wife and children and I hope she can carry on his work.
Kathy
The News of the death of Steve Irwin still troubles me today...for the world to lose such a fighter for animal rights and preservation is truly tragic. My thoughts and prayers go out to Terri, Bendi, Jack, his parents, and all the staff and animals at Australia Zoo.
My son loved Steve. I don't think at age 7 he really understands that he is really gone b/c he still sees him on the Animal Planet shows. Steve has inspired him to love nature. My son knows so much about sharks, snakes, etc. and it's all things he learned from Steve and other programs like his. My son has learned a real appreciation for animals and to respect them and their homes. Much thanks to Steve and his family for their efforts in making learning fun for kids.
My son loved Steve. I don't think at age 7 he really understands that he is really gone b/c he still sees him on the Animal Planet shows. Steve has inspired him to love nature. My son knows so much about sharks, snakes, etc. and it's all things he learned from Steve and other programs like his. My son has learned a real appreciation for animals and to respect them and their homes. Much thanks to Steve and his family for their efforts in making learning fun for kids.
The good die young. I wish it weren't true.
I'm not a kid - I'm 68 years old but I dearly loved Steve, Terri, and all the folks involved with his shows. They are still running but I can't watch them yet - it makes me too sad. I hope Terri and all of Steve's family will continue his work and know how much he was loved. I wish them God's peace and acceptance of this terrible tragedy.
Approximately 8 years ago, my 2 grand-daughters, 4 and 2 years, met Steve in the Las Vegas airport, on their way to Phoenix. With him were Terry, with a tiny Bindi strapped to her chest, and more of his people. The first thing my 4 year old said was "he doesn't have shorts on." At the time he was in long khakis. Now older, they both were very sad at his passing. I'm glad they still remember him and his 'funny talking.'
I am a teenager, 14 to be exact. Steve Irwin was an amazing person who really opened my eyes to the world of animals. The day i went back to school we watched channel 1 for teens and they talked about his death. Many of the kids in my class laughed about it and it really hurt me. I just wanted to inform people that the world lost a good man and should relize is.
We will all miss him, but we will remember, too, how fortunate we were to have had him among us for 44 years.
His father said Steve just wanted to be known as an ordinary guy, but he was anyting but ordinary. The man is truly a genuine legend.
Like most people, who have followed Steve Irwin for the past few years, I have so much admoration for him. He was a wonderful educator and so passionate about his work. He was a 'hands on' man and yes he did get a bit too close at times, but that was what made Steve, Steve. He did not just talk about it he interacted with his teachings. In doing so we interacted with it as well. He was very funny being the wonderful entertainer that he was. I know his work will continue on.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. God Bless you Steve and rest in peace.
Love Steve and his family. I hope he knows how we all appreciate him wherever he is. I'm 47 y.o. and am very disturbed by this tragedy. My deepest heartfelt sympathy to his wife, Terri. I'm not blaming the documentary producers but I hope there's a lesson to be learned here somehow. We, as an audience, expect to gain knowledge from these shows and humour will bring light and amusement to the show for all (and not just for young children). Thanks to Steve, he had made these documentaries so fun to watch. "REST IN PEACE", mate.
Hi! Thank you for writing this, my 6 year old little girl is definitely devastated by Steve's death and is very worried for Bindi. In fact, we have set up a "support group" for people with a space especially for kids (with their parents help) to leave a message for Bindi, little Bob or just about The Crocodile Hunter. This is the first time my daughter has dealth with heartache and while my heart aches too I hope that this will allow me to be able to teach her that ones' life can carry on after death and we can continue Steve's important work. If anyone would like to visit our site it can be found at www.chremembered.wordpress.com. Thank you!!
It broke my heart to hear of his tragic death. My heart goes out to his family. I pray Gods peace be with them. He is truly missed, and will not be forgotten. He died doing what he did best. Educating people and touching many lives in the process. Thank You Steve Irwin for all you did and continue to do even from beyond.
My heart goes out to Steve's lovely family. It is so sad that his children will have to grow up without him. Thanks to all of his wonderful tapes, they will still be able to "see" him. He was an inspiring teacher and wildlife advocate and he will be greatly missed. There is some comfort in knowing that he died doing what he loved so very much.
I'd love to see all of Steve's shows/movies/writings available for viewing for many years to come. Even though he is gone, he can still continue to be an inspiration to children and adults alike. The animal world isn't changing that quickly that it would render his shows outdated! Let him live on to educate a future generation! Croc's Rule!!! Love you Steve!
When I read the article about Steve Irwin's demise, I woke my husband up. We were taken aback from Mr. Irwin's passing. My husband Steven and I felt like Steve was the most wonderful man alive. Steve's life and the lives of his family made all of us feel comfortable. We have been so choked up looking at Steve's photographs over the past week.
This article also made us remember the untimely passing of my husband's daughter, Holly Kish in an unfortunate parachute accident about three years ago.
We all will miss Steve Irwin because he had so much energy and that we thought that he would live forever. We felt the same way when my husband's daughter passed away three years ago in an accident involving parachute failure.
It is so difficult to loose a child but we will keep the faith by continuing the ideas that Steve managed to keep alive.
Way to go, MATE!
Patti & Steven Kish
I love steve and will miss him.
...there are times during my life when I have so desperately wished I could believe in SOMETHING after our time on earth is over...this is one of the those times...a senseless loss..for all of us..."When bad things happen to good people"--it just doesn't get any "badder" than the loss of Steve Irwin..
Thanks for all of the great shows and documentaries. Steve's legend will live on! God bless his family and rest in peace, Steve.
Steve was very upset when Sui his beloved dog and Mary his beloved croc died. So Steve is among great animal friends up there in heaven !!
Steves ever smiling face was the only thing I saw on the web that morning. My heart skipped a beat and a tear ran down my cheek. I was stunned and so very saddened! The first person I told was my 12 yr son, I didn't want him to hear about such a tragedy from a stranger on the TV. Dad and I sat and talked about it with our son and said a prayer for their family.
This Man was a true angel for the love and rights of all amimals..I am sanddend to hear of his passing...he lived his life with such joy for everything he did..I was deeply touched to see his daughter speak of how much her dad meant to her,He is a model for all parents, and all of us...will miss him...I thank God for him. I
Yes, everyone will miss him. Those of you who dared to judge him when he took his child out with him by that crocodile? Well shame on you. When have you not put YOUR child in harms way. Driving at night, taking him/her on walks. Danger lerks everywhere in our everyday lives. If Steve were so neglegent in his follies, why would he even put himself in that position? I rest my case.
Ohhh Steve,
You were such an inspiration to living life in the fullest. Your appreciation and love for the animal kindgdom was wonderful. I am sad for your lovely wife who adored you as do your children. Too young, so unfortunate for all of us. I'm in shock and sadness.
It is such a tradegy that we lost the world's favorite protector of animals. I personally wouldlike to express my "deepest sympathy to the family, friends, and co-workers of Steve's. God Bless You All Of You!!!!!
Ok,I am very sorry Mr. Irwin lost his life.I feel badly for his family also.Now, everyone is going to boo me but....didn't Steve feed a live crocodile with his infant child in his arms?Isn't that equivilent to "dangleing a baby over a balcony sweveral stories high"?Both actions were dangerous.One almost caused a riot, the other was educational.I am perplexed by this.
Mr.Irwin seemed like he was a bit overactive to me.Non-stop and always talking,moving.He was never calm.His adrenaline maybe got him into trouble several times before this final tragedy.May God Bless his family and us all. Thanks
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