9/11 remembrance: Talk to your kids about September 11th using books, websites, tv, and conversation

Firefighters raise the US flag at the WTC ruins

Today our country is united in grief as we recall the tragedy of September 11 and the dark days that followed. In an instant, our nation and the world as we knew it disappeared. Over 3,000 innocent lives were lost that day in the Twin Towers at the World Trade Center in New York City and on United Airlines Flight 175, American Airlines Flight 11, and United Airlines Flight 93. It was horrifying. It was terrifying. It still haunts many today.

Not all was lost, though. Who can forget the way Americans came together to help one another?
Do you recall the crowds of people who lined the streets of New York City to applaud, cheer, and console the brave firefighters, police officers, and rescue workers who searched through the rubble for days on end hunting for survivors first, then bodies? Strangers came together and held one another, people donated supplies, money, and time to help the recovery efforts in New York City. We weren't alone in our shock and sorrow, either. So many countries lost people in 9/11 and grieved along with us. Flags flew high as our pride in America sent out a message loud and clear to the terrorist who attempted to destroy us: "You will not win. We will overcome this. We will be stronger."

Eight years later, the images of September 11 are still as shocking as they originally were. Many teens and tweens were too young to truly understand what happened and perhaps this year they are asking questions. While you most likely are not willing to show them video of the Twin Towers after the attacks (and that is ok and a personal decision parents must make for themselves and their children), there are other ways to commemorate September 11 with your child. Here are a few suggestions.

1) Talk about your own experience. Share where you were and what you were doing when you learned
about what was happening. Did you call loved ones? Were you glued to the tv or radio? Did you
head to a place of worship to pray or meditate?

2) Raise a flag on your property and light a white candle to honor those who lost their lives.

3) Allow your child to discuss his or her feelings about September 11 and explain their understanding of it. If your child becomes anxious during the conversation, offer reassurance and love. 9-11 Heroes is a great website with resources on how to start the dialogue and advice on what to say.

4) Attend community or religious commemorative events. Is your church having a special service to honor those who died on September 11? Does your city have a public memorial planned? September 11 was declared a National Day of Service for the first time by President Obama. Join in volunteer efforts to clean up parks, beaches, or other city events. Seattle area residents have many options for memorial and volunteer events.

5) Check out the internet together for more information. There are many informative sites on the Web that will help supplement your discussion about 9/11 with your child. Here's a small sampling of some websites to browse through together:

Kidsnewsroom Weekly News for Kids: This is from the week of September 14-20 and gives a great snapshot of the aftershocks of September 11 on the country and world.
42eXplore2: Be sure to check this site out with your child, as there may be some images or content that you might not want him to see. Very informative with plenty of resources.

6) Read a book. Since children love to be read to and often learn best through books, it comes as little surprise that September 11 has been turned into a topic for children's books. Several books have been penned that are perfect for kids.

September Roses by Jeanette Winters: Based on a true story of two South African sisters who were stranded in New York on September 11. In town for a flower show, the sisters ended up using the roses they brought for the show (2400 roses!) to create an image of the towers as a thank you to the kind citizens who took them in. Beautiful illustrations that go from color to black and white and back to color convey more emotion than the story will have an impact on children.
The Little Chapel That Stood by A.B. Curtiss: This tells the story of St. Paul's Chapel, which stood across the street from the Twin Towers. After the buildings collapsed, St. Paul's remained standing with not even one broken window - quite a feat considering it had been built in 1776. Lovely story, even lovelier illustrations.
The Day That Was Different: September 11, 2001 by Carole Marsh: This book is perfect for older children. It's more educational and has timelines of the events, descriptions of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, explanations of terrorism, and more.
September 12th: We Knew Everything Would Be Alright by Masterston Elementary Students: The day after the attacks, first grade students at Masterston Elementary School in Missouri went to school. Routine, as parents know, is comforting to kids. These children drew pictures to explain why they knew things would be ok. It's a sweet reminder of how the simple things like the sun rising and 2 + 2 still equals 4 can be reassuring.

7) If you have teenagers, you may feel comfortable watching some of the television specials that will be airing about September 11. Here are some specials that may be worth viewing.

'102 Minutes That Changed America' - The History Channel at 9pm
'Countdown to Ground Zero' - The History Channel at 4pm
'The Day The Towers Fell' - The History Channel at 7pm
(Here is The History Channel's full line-up for 9/11/09)
'9/11: As It Happened' - MSNBC at 9pm (minimally edited coverage from 9/11/01)

No matter how you commemorate September 11, do it as a family. And remember that while the day has sad memories, it is also a day of hope and unity.

Here is Alan Jackson singing 'Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning.'

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