As the anniversary of 9/11 approaches, many parents wonder how
to best explain this day to their children and how to help
children cope with anxieties and questions about that
devastating day. Each child will have a different way of dealing
with the day, whether they are just learning about it in school
or they lived through the harrowing day as we did. There are a
few universal tips to navigating your conversation with your
children, no matter their age or knowledge of the events.
Listen. Allow the child to explain what they know and ask any
questions, no matter how uncomfortable they may be. Actively
listen to them and be respectful of their emotions, allowing
them to express any feelings they may have. If you are having
trouble getting the dialogue started, try a few open questions
such as “What would you like to know about 9/11” or “What have
you learned about 9/11?” Try to stick to facts when answering
questions, and remember that it is okay to acknowledge that we
still don’t have a lot of answers. Make