Children and the current conflict

[MissTaken]

My little guy was waiting for the bus this morning when CNN was interviewing the a Taliban representative donned in full garb, including the black turban.

Little man said, "Mommy is that the bad guy?"

At the sweet age of five, do you say "Yes." Of course, being a concrete thinker and very literal, do I want my son thinking everyone who wears black turbans is the "bad guy?" I don't want to raise a racist.....ummmm, <blushing> like my ex is.

I told him "No", that isn't the "bad guy." I left it at that.

But, it made me think, again about how important it is to think about what our children are hearing and seeing right now. Also, what are they capable of understanding and what are the possible ramifications of what they learn today?

Hmmm just some musings and anyone who can offer advice, I would be very appreciative.

~stepping down from the soap box~

 

[batter]

just wondering...perhaps leaving the television on a childrens show or something in the morning until he leaves for school would be better.
you could always find your updates on the world events when he leaves or sit on your computer and log on for current events.
if the child has questions about things he or she has heard, i am sure they would be asking for answers when they are safe at home.

 

[MishkarinaSkye]

That's what I had to do (watch the news after the kids were sleeping/napping). My son (age 3) was talking about planes "crashdeding" into buildings. It was not what I wanted to hear from my little big man. Also, about a week after the WTC/Pentagon attacks my husband was watching CNN and Mikey was eating a snack in the kitchen. He turned to me and said, "Is Papa watching that building show again?". Since then we've tried very hard to not let the TV be on when they are around it..

 

[Guru]