BellaOnline Forums Family Attachment Parenting Have you talked to your child about war?

In light of this week's article, what have you said, if anything, to your child about war?

See the article here:
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art8829.asp

Marie,

My husband and I found ourselves faced with the task of explaining the war to our 2 boys (ages 6 and 8) this week. It wasn't easy and they are still asking questions about it today.

Isn't that just the hardest thing, Maria? Keep us posted on how it's going...


As for us, so far, he has just accepted what I've told him thus far. Today was a little hard because we have a very, very close person to us who is being deployed in about a week. I've been so concerned and my son sees that. So, first thing he did this morning (upon seeing me cry), was to say,"We need to say a prayer." So he launches into this long prayer, asking God to take care of "Cuya" (Tagolog for "Big Brother"). It was very touching to see how empathetic he is!

You know what's so weird? I was actually in the Army for a few years and my sons were cool with that. They knew that I "worked for the country" but didn't really know all that it meant.

It would be very hard for us all if I was still active duty and suddenly had to deploy. I can't even imagine!

With my brother-in-law on active duty and deployed to Kuwait as a Medic attached to the 101st Airborne, I've had to be open and honest with my 12 year old son about the consequences of war. I am also a veteren of the US Army. Supporting our troops ahs become a family affair. We watch the coverage and my son has plenty of questions and I answer them honestly. When we heard word of the soldier who threw grenades into the tent of his commanders, my son asked if Uncle David could have been hurt then, I answered him Yes. I think it has brought a new meaning to life for my child and definatly a new understanding for those who give their lives to protect so many. God Bless Our Troops.

I wrote a new article about the devotion our soldiers feel. Read it at:
http://www.bellaonline.org/articles/art8897.asp

No one around us is in the military, and I prefer not to discuss the war with my five year old. She knows what war is, but she does not specifically know about Iraq.

Yes, and we answered their questions as they came up with them. The older two are 7 and 9 and quite aware of what is going on. We share our views with them (we are against the war) but want them to make their own decisions, so we are as honest as we can be, even when we don't want to be. We have to respect that they may have an opinion other than ours, even at such a young age.

I also take the kids to peace vigils and other events we attend through our local codepink group, which I hope to become much more active in! This gives them a lot of exposure to all sides, but it's safe since there is a parent there to remove them or to deal with a situation positively.

if they wanted to go to a pro-war rally I would probably check it out and take them if I felt it was safe. I would accompany them but not participate, but so far that hasn't come up.

meg