I just sent a care package over to 99z28 and while putting it together my 4 yr old asked me why were we sending someone stuff. I explained that we were sending some things to some soldiers who were far away from home. She then asked me what do soldiers do there, it's a pretty tough question to make a 4 yr old understand. I said they were protecting all of us here at home so we can all be safe. She said "Oh, that's very nice of them." She then wanted to write a thank you note to the "Soldier guys", do any of you have any experiences explaining our Brothers and Sisters actions to children? Any suggestions on further answers for the sure to be follow ups?
__________________ "Those who hammer their guns into plows will plow for those who do not."-- Thomas Jefferson
I think you did a good job of explaining it. No matter what the subject children will ask questions if they want to know something. Offering information just confuses them most of the time.
If she asks why the soldiers have to protect us, the simple answer is that not every one in the world is a nice person and some of them want to hurt others. So the soldiers are there to keep them from hurting others.
I have never had to explain war to a child yet, but I did have to explain a divorce. That's close enough.
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"Dark the other side is" - "Shut up and eat your toast Yoda"
I think you did a good job of explaining it. No matter what the subject children will ask questions if they want to know something. Offering information just confuses them most of the time...
Yep, just answer the question with the least amount of information that satisfies her. Don't volunteer more information unless you want more questions. Kinda reminds me of the joke about a little boy who asked his mom "Where did I come from?" After a long talk about the birds and the bees, she asked her son if she'd answered his question to his satisfaction. He said "No; my friend Johnny came from Cleveland and I just wanted to know where I came from."
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My rifle and pistol are only tools. I am the weapon.
My kid's schools sent us letters in the desert. They were great to recieve and I think it let them express themselves. I can still remember the end of the Vietnam era in '75 albeit I was 10. It was confusing to me. I have the image burned in my mind of them pushing helicopters off decks of ships. Dad never talked about it.
