Ani reminded me tonight, as we were driving to an event, that today was November 11th. She’s been working on her calendar at preschool. #
“Veterans Day,” I told her. “Do you know what that means?” #
“Yeah.” She answered without hesitation from the back seat of the dark car. “It’s the day for when superheroes save our city.” #
I let that sit for a moment. Not quite. But as I thought about it, and the fact that she’s four, I couldn’t bring myself to correct her. There will be time later for deeper conversations, for more understanding and a better sense of just what “saving” and “heroes” mean. As for tonight, well, there was only one thing I could say. #
“That’s right, Ani.” #
And we drove on. #
Now that I’m living in Canada where Nov. 11th is called Remembrance Day and not Veteran’s Day, I have a completely different perspective than when I lived in the US. In the US it was all rah rah us and the glory of war. In Canada, it’s about peace and remembering those that have passed on. It is not about exalting war as a good thing; it’s about remembering and working towards peace, both at home and abroad. I like the tone of that better.
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perfect answer that made me smile. Just found your site due to a class assignment. Will bookmark it! I’m a middle school special ed. teacher and always love to read great blogs!!
In a funny way, she’s not completely wrong. It all depends on your definition of superheroes, and maybe the addition of the word “try”.
We have two minutes silence here and this year has been more sombre than ever, with events in Iraq and Afghanistan.
There’s something to be said for not wanting to strip someone’s innocence too early, especially one’s offspring. We’ll let them go the worrying later on in life.
.-= Jose´s last blog ..My Spanish Is Way Better Than Yours =-.
Well said, Dad! I handle my 5 year old’s questions/statements quite similarly. Best piece of advice ever: Only answer what is asked. Don’t give too much…it’ll only confuse the child.
I have found this philosophy to work with high school kids as well!