How Do You Talk To Your Kids About 9/11?
When I think back to September 11, 2001, I remember the chaos, the anger, the fear, and the confusion that surged through all of us. I also remember feelings of mourning for those that we lost, thankfulness for those who helped rescue those who could be saved, and unity as the country came together as one.
As difficult as it was for teenagers and adults in 2001, it was difficult for children to grasp the epic scope of what was happening. The world as we knew it had changed and would never be the same. And even though those tragic events happened more than a decade ago, it still seems like it was just yesterday. Yet, children who were in kindergarten on September 11, 2001 are now out of high school.
Today I am a father of three amazing kids, and it hit me that my children weren't around on 9/11. In fact, I hadn't even met my wife yet. So how do we explain to our young what happened on that horrific morning? How to we convey the impact that those attacks had on our daily lives?
The 9/11 Memorial organization has a wonderful section on their website to help parents share the events of September 11, 2001. You can download their tips for talking to your children by clicking here. There is also a guide to the museum that helps kids understand the history of the World Trade Center. You can download the guide by clicking here.