Helping Families Understand 9/11

A Parent's Guide for Teaching Children About September 11, 2001

Sep 9, 2009

Activities and conversation-starters designed to mark the events of September 11 in ways that are age-appropriate and reassuring for children and pre-teens.

Although it feels like just yesterday to most adults, September 11, 2001 is long ago and far away for today's children. As kids grow older and receive bits of information about September 11, they begin to ask questions about the events of that historic day. Some may feel afraid or confused and start to worry about future terrorist attacks.

Parents may wonder how to appropriately discuss and share information without creating further alarm. By planning to mark the day, making time for family discussion and creating opportunities for service, mothers and fathers can be a source of reassurance and understanding.

Planning to Mark the Day With Patriot's Day Activities

First, parents can plan ahead to make September 11 a day of American pride and patriotism. Marking the calendar with a red star, flying the American flag in a window or near the front door, encouraging children to dress in red, white and blue clothing are patriotic activities.

For breakfast, kids can try a Patriot's Parfait – layering blueberries, strawberries and vanilla yogurt in a glass. Or children can help prepare other meals and treats using these patriotic kid's recipes.

Helping children understand the day as a time to celebrate America and its heroes is positive and uplifting. Allowing kids to brainstorm a list of their own personal heroes can be the starting point. Local heroes, like firefighters and police officers can be added.

Talking about national heroes and historical figures-George Washington, Martin Luther King, Jr.-will help define the word patriot. So can looking up the word in the dictionary or online. Families can talk about ways to show patriotism and respect for the United States of America.

Making Time for Family Discussion by Talking About the Events of September 11, 2001

Parents can start by telling their own personal remembrances of the day. They can explain to children where they were and what they were doing when they first learned of the terrorist attacks. Children and pre-teens old enough to remember the day can share their own memories.

Younger kids like to hear where they were also, even if they aren't able to remember. For instance,

"You were just a little baby sitting in your bouncy seat. I was sweeping the kitchen floor. Daddy called from work to tell me some bad news."

Reading a picture book together can start a family conversation. The Day That Was Different by Carolee Marsh [Gallopade International, 2001] or September 11, 2001: A Simple Account for Children by Nancy Poffenberger and Val Gottesman [Fun Publishing Company, 2001] are appropriate for kids ages 4-10. Reading together slowly and taking time to stop and answer questions are important. Answers should be satisfying, but need not overwhelm children with unnecessary or worrying information.

Many children feel reassured by making a family emergency plan. Parents can use this time to talk about all kinds of unexpected events – fire, earthquake, power failure. This is a good time to map out emergency exits, locate a family emergency meeting spot, make a list of emergency phone numbers and put flashlights in convenient spots throughout the house. Giving kids a part in emergency planning helps them feel a sense of control.

Creating Opportunities for Service by Allowing Kids to Help Others in Honor of 9/11 HeroesIt is normal for kids to ask why bad things have to happen. While parents can't always answer why, they can encourage their children to learn from tragedies such as September 11. One of the best lessons learned is service. Parents can share stories of heroism and service given after the September 11 attacks. Then they can encourage family service as a way to remember and honor those heroes.

Families can use the anniversary of September 11, 2001 as an opportunity to teach children the importance of service, communication and patriotism. Allowing kids to find heroes and act heroically in small ways can be a positive step toward greater understanding and personal growth.

The copyright of the article Helping Families Understand 9/11 in Kids Educational Activities is owned by Gabi Larson. Permission to republish Helping Families Understand 9/11 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.