9/11 And 6 Year Olds

I wonder, if the teacher volunteered all the information, or if students did and the teacher directed the conversation. In any case, My 5 year old knows about bad guys. We tell him that it's their choice to do those bad things, but there are more good people out there who will try and stop anything bad form happening if we can.

There are lots of articles right now about talking to young kids about 9/11. Here are a few:

http://www.9-11heroes.us/talk-children-war-terrorism.php

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504744_162-20103884-10391703....

I believe that was tmi for a 6 year old, I myself will not fly. I refuser to fly. No one on that day had any idea it would be their last. Terrorist love our plannes, you just never know. Your six year olds fear shows some what of wisdom if you ask me. I would tell her though about the thousands of plnes that have traveled safely over the past 10 years. J.

And deb if you are reading this, i'm sorry for your loss.

My kids are 7 and 8, They have been hearing about it for years since we had a friend in the first tower that did not make it out. I have not focused on the hijacking part because I did not want to scare them of flying. But, they have picked up on it and have asked questions. We have assured them that because of that event, flying is so much safer now and that is why we have to go through all the check points. We go to NY all the time so they are familiar with the airport routine. Just assure her of how things have changed and how you are not scared, and if there was any danger, you would be scared too, but there isn't.
Good luck

we told our 6 year old that some bad people that didn't like america killed a lot of people that day. We didn't say how. Truthfully we fly about once a year and I didn't want her to know that they did it by airplane. Someday she will learn more. We did go to the Angel's Yankee's game yesterday and they did a big tribute and I explained the basics of why they did the ceremony. She was mostly interested in the huge flag and the fireworks.

I too think it was TOO much information! I just don't think the kids need to know that much. It will scare them!
My children were 9 and 6 when it happened. I shield them from the event and the news as much as possible. I guess I did a good job, because now's my son is 16 and was surprised yesterday to find out his father was in NY on that fateful day. He didn't even remember! LOL

It sounds similar to how I first explained it to my 7 yr old and 5 yr old. I also told them in basic terms how I felt that day when I saw it on TV, how I feel about it now. I would share with her some basic reasons why you feel safe enough flying in December.

History is rarely sweet and pretty. Nickelodeon has a clip on 9/11 on their website. It doesn't show the crashes, or the falling bodies. It just explains. You might want to watch it 1st, and see what you think.

Explain to her that the people were bad, it happened 10 years ago, before she was born. 10 years ago is a very long long time to a 6 yr old.

My husband is a pilot and I used to be a flight attendant. There are tons of people scared of flying and it is understandable, especially in your daughters situation! Flying is actually very safe! It is much more dangerous to get into your car and drive somewhere. The bad thing about plane disasters is that they claim the lives of many, in one incident.

The one positive thing about accidents is that there are invistigations into every disaster and there are changes in policy and procedures, in the aircraft itself. After 9/11 every cockpit door was changed and countless procedures have changed. We watched a movie of United 93 the other night and I was shocked the pilots opened the door, even after getting a message of possible intrusion! That would never happen today. I think every person who is on a plane today is more watchful of their surroundings!

Flying will never be 100% safe, but neither will driving a car, or riding a bike. Know that the people flying the planes have families as well and will do anything and everything in their power to get you there safely.

I hope this was of some help to you. If you have any questions, please pass them along...from you or your daughter.

Oh, my 5 year old doesn't know yet.If it does come up it'll have to give them the gist of it, but nothing too deep. I think if I were still teaching, I'd write a letter to the parents to tell them briefly, or I might not even bring it up as an assignment. I think that they're a bit young to know detailed information. Maybe the principal asked the teacher to bring it up at each grade level. Everyone is different.

I would let it go, but definitely keep your ears open to see what topics the teacher brings up when it comes to history especially in the first grade.

I'm so sorry. Your poor daughter!

Our school didn't address 9/11. They felt it was a topic that should be handled by parents. And I agree. Btw, I have two girls, 10 & 6.

Bless her heart! I was mad at my daughter's 2nd grade teacher who forced the class to watch it live back in '01. :/

I talked to her pediatrician, and he said lots of parents were not happy with the way it was handled. Caused kids to revert to bed-wetting, etc.

Looks like Momma L below has some good links. Sorry I can't be much help but I can relate (yes, TMI; no, you're not overprotective) & best of luck to you.