Talking about the events of 9/11 with kids

alake

I have been thinking about this for the last year or so.  Every year, I wonder when I should explain the events to them.  I was still in high school (doing upgrades.)
My now DH was supposed to fly on flight 11 out of Boston.  My MIL had a heart attack the morning of the 10th, and he decided to fly home instead of to LA that morning.  Do I tell my kids, about everything, including the fact that DH was supposed to fly, or do I just tell them about the attacks.

ASullivan1231

How old are they? I'm on mobile. Personally, I wouldn't get into details until they are teenagers. In particular that your husband could have been on a flight. That's a lot to handle for anyone.

When they ask I'd tell them in generalities. Give a little information and wait for them to ask questions.

Just my opinion. I'd be interested to hear what others say.

alake

My older two are in Grade 1 &2.  Six and seven and a half.
I think I will answer the questions as they ask them, but will l wait for them to get older. 

Andrewsgal

My DD saw it on the news and brought it up last heat. I think kids are a lot smarter and can handle a lot more than we give them credit for. I was very basic "some really bad men took some airplanes and flew them into buildings where people are" I always make sure to emphisize that she is completely safe and there are a lot of people out there working to keep her that way.

dmartin726

I wouldn't even tell them their dad could have been on the flight. Talking about the events in general can bring on fear and anxiety. I don't think there is a need to amplify those feelings by placing a loved one in the situation. To me, that is unnecessary. That being said, talking about it is important and wow that your husbands plans changed. That gives me goosebumps.

penguingrrl

I haven't talked to my kids about 9/11 yet. However, when we lived in the city we used to drive by the construction of the Freedom Tower periodically and I told Julia what an important building it was. I plan on using that as a lead in. I'm not sure if it will be addressed at school tomorrow so I'm not bringing it up yet. I'll wait until she asks to discuss it. If it's discussed tomorrow I plan to talk to her in depth about it. My mom could see the construction of the twin towers from her bedroom window as a teenager and watched them go up and our town lost many people and also has many survivors, so in some ways it really is ever present around here.

lyingliarlies

DS is only 2 so we'll keep the talk to a minimum, but we're going to a service tomorrow at a 9/11 memorial, and he's been to the WTC site with us earlier in the summer. if the service gets too emotional we'll leave early - i teared up just driving by it today so we'll just see how it goes. i don't know how i'll explain it as he gets older, but to me, it's appropriate for a child of any age to know that it's a special day to remember some very brave people and loved ones that met in a special place.