Talking to children about war

Hopefully, you won't have to do this for a long, long time. We just completely restrict access to news, but that is just us. Recently Lucas' school had a Veteran's Day ceremony, where they honoured veterans in the community. It was beautiful and moving and the ceremony included the eventual placement of 5,248 flags for fallen veterans representing those who have died in Iraq & Afghanistan as well as those who died recently at Ft. Hood (including the unborn baby).

Lucas has had a fascination with "being an army" for a long time - as evidenced by the number of times he's been an army soldier for Halloween, and the number of green army men I keep finding everywhere in the house and car. As usual, I tried to gauge what he understood about being "an army".

Me: So Lucas, how did you find the (veterans') service this morning?

Lucas: Good

Me: Do you remember anything about it?

Not really, but they called out the names of some veterans and someone (a veteran) talked about family and friends and something. It was good.

And are you still interested in being in the army when you grow up?

Yes, but I am not sure what I will be. Maybe in the Air Force or Navy.

Why Air Force?

Well they get to fly cool planes with all kinds of gadgets and drop bombs on the enemy.

And who are the enemy? And what happens when you drop bombs?

Well you kill the bad guys.

But they're also people. Why are they enemies?

Because they are trying to kill us.

Indeed.

If only it was that simple.

Facts for Families: Talking To Children About Terrorism And War

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