Children and 9/11
Last night I was watching some television with C and E. At some point, E looked over and asked what day tomorrow (today) was. I said “Tuesday.” He said “what’s the date?”
Not being good with dates - that’s what calendars are for, after all - I sat back and reflected. Well, if last Monday was our anniversary, so that was the 3rd of September. Add a week and a day and you have September 11.
And so I responded “September 11 … oh.”
I quickly thought to myself “If 2001 was six years ago, and E is nine, he would’ve been three on 9/11.” Since he was three, I’m sure he doesn’t really have any memories of that day, although because of the tv he probably thinks he does. But what does he know? And what should I say? And what if he starts asking questions?
But he didn’t. He said “oh” with a knowing look and turned back to the tv.
When will we have to tell C about 9/11? What will we say?
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3 Responses to “Children and 9/11”
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I imagine C. will learn about 9/11 in a similar fashion that kids my age learned about Vietman. Recent history, but still history.
she’ll learn about it school. I was surprised even in kindergarten they learn about it-in a soft sort bad guys did something bad & hurt people sort of way. I think my son understands and discusses it with me more each each. try explaining war(especially this one) to a 7 year old it’s tricky at best!
[...] Jonathan Hickman (about his little boy) Since he was three, I’m sure he doesn’t really have any memories of that day, although because of the tv he probably thinks he does. But what does he know? And what should I say? And what if he starts asking questions? [...]