Keep them in, Let them win??

In the light of recent events, I think I can be excused for being a little nervous about travelling to the city.

I like just outside of Birmingham, the UK’s unofficial second city, and the car which the first London Bridge attacker hired to attack our capital was hired just around the corner from my home.

These *rare* events are becoming more and more common, and I’m not ashamed to admit it, I am a little scared.

Whilst I won’t lock myself away, I will be being cautious over my travels to and from the city centre, and avoiding non essential travel where possible.

But is that letting them win??

I asked fellow bloggers there thoughts on this too – asking Would you avoid the city with your family? … the range of responses was quite broad!!

YES

I would not take the kids to a big city. I have an awards ceremony in a few weeks that I am not too sure of but I will probably go. I do not think being cautious means they have won. Someone’s Mum

I think I probably would to be honest. I’m not normally anxious and believe that the security would he tightened but so soon after? I also think it depends one the location too. I wouldn’t send my child to London for example but my local city centre maybe. The Mum Diaries

Yes. We have tickets to the London games in August & are seriously considering cancelling, especially for such a high profile event. And my daughter has a trip to the Rock Assembly at Wembley next month which I’m really uncomfortable with her going on, but she will probably still go. I don’t see it as them winning because what they want is to convert everyone to their way of thinking, that’s never going to happen. It’s a scary world we live in nowadays and it’s my job to keep my family safe. Big Family Fun Blog

We cancelled going to a children’s dance/rave event in Manchester on Sunday. Felt sad to but like my fear of rollercoaster, I’d rather make a safe decision where I have control. Corporate Dad

I think I want to be defiant and carry on but in reality, I want to be alive. The risks are real and the are high I don’t think I’d be going out of my way to put myself or family at more risk than we are on a daily basis. Mumatron

Yes. And I did cancel theatre plans in the city last night. In my eyes it just wasn’t worth going there, feeling scared and panicked and being able to enjoy an experience that should have been fun. My eldest outright refused to go, he’s terrified and sadly that’s the world we live in. Five Little Doves

I would like to continue as normal but I can’t. I live in Manchester and I won’t be taking my children to places that could be a potential target. All of these attacks have made me incredibly anxious when I suffer from anxiety already; therefore I feel that it would just be better for us if we avoid the major places like the city centre and Trafford centre Raw Childhood

NO

Not a chance! I have 3 more London trips planned this year and will be back in Manchester in September. I wouldn’t let these things change our plans or influence my decisions. If we all do that, we might as well stock up and never leave the house! Me Him The Dog & Baby

No way. I was in London the day after the Manchester attack and I won’t let it stop me. I will be taking girls to summer time capital ball this weekend and eldest is still doing v fest. I will not hide away nor will I stop living. As I said to my 7 yr old I plan to live my life not watch from the sidelines because of fear. Emma and 3

I personally wouldn’t – the chances of being caught in a terrorist attack are still minimal and I’d be more likely to get in a car crash just popping down the road to Morrisons. I can understand why others would be hesitant, but I’m a strong believer in just getting on as normal. You can’t avoid all risk in your life, otherwise you’d never leave the house.  Little Pickles Mom

My Dad, Husband and son went to the Michael Carrick testimonial at Manchester United the day after the last London incident, and the same day as the Manchester concert (One Love), so I guess my answer is no, I wouldn’t change plans. I must admit to being anxious about it though, and I fully understand other people’s caution. Our school cancelled it’s trip to France after the Paris terror attack after pressure from parents. Family Makes

I think it’s important to carry on as usual, they have won if we change our plans and live in fear. You have to live life to the fullest everyday it could happen anywhere anytime you can’t live your life in fear of what if everyday. Enjoy life enjoy the people that matter to you and be happy. Mum and Dad Plus 4

No, never. It would mean that they won. Also, by avoiding certain places and situations doesn’t mean you can avoid your fate. Go, travel, see, live, teach your kids to love courageously. Captain Bobcat

I live in London so by ‘not coming here’ means I move. So, no, I won’t be changing any aspect of my life. Similarly, I wave my husband off on his bike as he cycles into central London daily. Guess what I worry about more?
London is very much open, don’t miss out. Truly Madly Kids

The Undecided

We have to go to London next Friday and honestly? We’re nervous. But it could happen anywhere and at any time. I have friends that live there and they need to carry on with day to day life so it seems excessive to cancel so we won’t. I don’t want to let them win, but I also want to protect my family. It’s a tough situation. Pink Pear Bear

I think it’s a difficult decision. My head tells me that life goes on and we’re just as likely to get hurt driving to work or walking the dog than we are to be involved in a terror attack. But my heart races a little when I think about us going to London at the end of this month to a concert. I can’t help but be nervous about taking my son out on the streets. It makes me both sad and angry as much at myself as at those involved in terror acts. We will be going about our lives as normal but on the inside I’ll be that little bit more wary and little bit more nervous. And when we get home, I’ll hug my little one that extra bit tighter. I guess it really makes you realise what you have to lose in life. Devon Mama  

I’ve never been afraid to travel, and love taking my children away to see different places but the recent attacks have made me wary. I think it’s admirable that people are being defiant and saying we shouldn’t stop going about our lives, but I don’t think there’s any shame in feeling afraid. In fact, we need to be more alert and vigilant, and I don’t think that means the terrorists have won. Baby Holiday

What are your thoughts? Will you be avoiding the city?