As the 10th anniversary of 9/11 approaches this Sunday, parents will be wrestling with a number of questions about the best ways to discuss this landmark event with their children. Here are some great suggestions to consider.
* Start the conversation: It’s a good idea to open up the lines of communication sooner rather than later. It can be as simple as saying “You might be hearing about 9/11 on TV or at school (or on the computer). Let me know if you want to talk about it, okay?”
* Be prepared for many small conversations rather than one big one: Kids often formulate questions over time. It’s common for them to ask you something “out of the blue” that’s connected to something they saw or heard the prior day or two.
* Let kids dictate how much information they want: If your child wants to talk about 9/11, be an especially good listener and give them short answers so you can let them tell you what they really want to find out.
* Tightly monitor exposure to media: Part of your discussion may be to talk about how you will monitor exposure to media, particularly TV and Internet. Assume that there will be unprecedented coverage as this is the 10th anniversary.
What would you add to this?
You can bring your family to WYCD’s “9/11 Floating Sky Lantern Memorial Ceremony” this Sunday at Lake Erie Metropark too! Click here for details & directions.