How To Discuss The Death of Michael Jackson With Your Children

. Don't leave it to the television, radio, internet or other kids to shape your children's images. Of course, age appropriate terms are always important, but they are getting the whole package if they have unfettered access to television or have friends who have unfettered access. So, as much as you can discuss, do so with the insight of a parent who knows your own child's maturity level. It is good to acknowledge that he had a very successful music career, and was very talented. This is irrefutable; he left his imprint on music and dance that will always be his legacy. His music videos were groundbreaking in their style and content. Those are things you can certainly affirm. This is a good point to bring up his childhood success. You can talk about how children like Michael Jackson, although they have much we might envy a little, but they would love to have normal things like your child has ... like sledding in the snow with neighbor kids, just hanging out at the community swimming pool, just going to school! This a good segue way into the bizarre! The bizarre and sometimes downright weird things Michael Jackson did are a slightly difficult area to cover with your child. You don't need to be totally comprehensive in your descriptions. You can discuss Neverland, monkeys, even plastic surgery. You can discuss how sometimes child stars have emotional difficulties because they missed a significant part of anormal childhood. Here is the part you have been dreading discussing about Michael Jackson. Your child will probably be too embarrassed to mention what they have heard at school or wherever. So, you need to frame the discussion in an age-appropriate way. It could be a good time to discuss good touch--bad touch. You don't have to be conclusive or descriptive. You may think the child is not ready for this, but the wall-to-wall Michael Jackson coverage already took care of that. You must discuss our court system and innocence until proven guilty. Don't disillusion your child with comments about the lack of justice, or whatever. Just state the facts. He was absolved of any charges in 2005, and that is just a fact. You can discuss how you want to pray for his three children who are left without their father, who was their father, regardless of anything else. Don't make any bigger deal than necessary.