At what age should children be taught about large catastrophies that are beyond their immediate control.?

Question

Things such as animals going extinct, war, global warming. For a child not living in an area where things of this nature is common, at what age can a child not only grasp the concept but also not feel deep fear or a deep helplessness of these things?

Answer 1

I guess it would depend on his level of questioning. This past September my husband and I were watching a special on the 9/11 catastrophe, when my 5 year old son walked in from bed and saw the replay of the second plane flying into the 2nd tower. Of course, this led to a deep conversation that not all people want to help each other out. (It really reinforced Stranger Danger for us.) We let my son lead the conversation by asking questions and us only answering the question without a lot of elaboration. If he wanted to know, he asked, we didn't volunteer any information, seeing as he is young.

If you are wanting to start the conversation, I wouldn't really. Explain, maybe that we need to help the world out by conserving, recycling, etc. But please don't put the doom and gloom on your child. They have enough time in their lifetimes to worry about them. Let the children be children as long as you can!

Answer 2

My children are 7,6,4 and 2 and I have to say we talk about things like those a lot. I do not believe any of them totally grasp it. But they understand that it is a reality in life and it could effect them. Each child is different. And many/most adults feel a threat and fear of these things even if they are not directly effected by them. To ask a child to feel none at all is asking way too much. Explain in terms they can understand when they ask. And just be as comforting and understanding as possible. Do not belittle their feelings and do not make it seem like it is not important.
Now that we have the Internet it can be a wonderful tool in learning and I have often pulled things up on line to help the children see and understand these things. It is important and it is also important that they know about them. Remember they are our future.

Answer 3

I've heard "no tragedies before fourth grade" and I think that's good advice. We don't need to be scaring little kids with this stuff. I remember being taught about slavery as a little kid and it was just weird and confusing to me. It's an important topic (as are the others) but age is an important consideration. But I do think if a child has a question it should be answered, but not in much detail. If they want more detail, they'll ask more questions.

Answer 4

Basically, just let it come up naturally. Don't try to force it, but make sure they are educated about their surroundings by the time they reach middle school. Make them know that they can make a difference, but cant save the world. Answer if a topic such as this is asked about, but dont make your kids learn about it. Theyll want to know eventually on their own why the dodo bird no longer exists or why people died overseas, or even why people died during a hurricane....dont protect them from the truth....and dont lie to them....but dont force them to learn everything. Let their curiosity be your guide. :)

Answer 5

If they're not vocal about things like this yet but you can sense by their over-all nature that they're curious, break the issue(s) down to their level. Encourage vocally that they need not be afraid. Break things down when they start asking questions also. Once again, encourage that they not be fearful. Let them know that things like what they're seeing and hearing about happen in the world. Tell them it's just that way.

Answer 6

All Children are different and mature at different ages. As a parent, you know your child's psychological and emotional needs more than anyone. You should be the judge of this yourself.

Answer 7

Your children will let you know when they are ready to learn. They will ask questions. Answer them honestly, always in simple terms that they can understand. Give a little bit of info at a time, letting them ask for more if they want it. Stop when they stop. Let them be the gauge for what they want to know and what they are ready to know.

Answer 8

From the time my teenagers have been the right age to stroll and drag the toys out they have been taught to place them back the place they have been given them from. whilst they became approximately 4 then they began "making" their beds and cleansing their rooms. I didnt redo it whilst they made it incorrect as a replace helped them to evaluation to make it good. they have additionally consistently helped me load the dishwasher etc, get their outfits in the bathroom down, post outfits etc. area of being a kinfolk is assisting out. in case you all chip in on the artwork then there is extra time for the exciting issues they like to do and it teaches them some duty. whilst i became becoming up we had a housekeeper and that i by no ability did something and it confirmed as quickly as I moved out on my own I swore then my teenagers might recognize a thank you to freshen up after themselves. My husband like yours thinks that because of the fact i became homestead all day that I ought to do it till I have been given ill and he had to do it and then he sponsored me up. Make it exciting for the youngsters to assist. supply all and sundry a job which comprise vacuming or putting away the dishes and then see who can do their activity quickest and good. My teenagers are actually 15, 11 and eight and that they recognize to make their mattress in the morning, place their grimy dishes in the dishwasher, a thank you to function the washing gadget and dryer etc. It hasnt harm them the least bit.

Answer 9

Those things just come up. Children see things on TV or over hear adults talking. Then later they ask questions. I always just answered my kids questions honestly.

Answer 10

preferably 10 or 12.