I will be going to basic at the end of this month and realized that I haven't told my nephew I will be leaving. I have helped raise him since birth and we are very close. I just can't figure out how to explain the concept of military to a 5 yr old. All he seems to get is that Aunt Holly is leaving him.
2007-01-08 01:49:06 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Tell him that you volunteered to help the President protect us from some very bad people. 5 year olds understand good vs bad.
2007-01-08 01:51:08 · answer #1 · answered by Chainsaw 6 · 7⤊ 0⤋
There is no way to explain it to him. At his age the world is a dream and he's still waiting to wake up.
Explain that you are leaving and will be back as soon as possible. Make him believe you are going on a good trip where there is candy and ice cream and, you will bring him some back if he is a good boy and minds his Mother and or Father.
All young children pick up on what adults are thinking whether a simple body movement or a misplaced comment. Either way, what is happening is simply a part of life that your Nephew will face in life. People come and people go, it's the time you spend with them that really matters.
2007-01-08 09:57:15 · answer #2 · answered by ggraves1724 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
At 5, honestly, I knew what the military was. If you need to explain it more, just do that. Maybe go to the bookstare and pick up a few of the many books on the military. Hopefully they will have one that is geared to what you will be doing. get one with lots of pictures. Then let his imigination run wild. Call him as often as you get a chance, or write him. Send pictures, and the more the better. And then when you finally get to a permanent station, have him out and show him where you work. He will be amazed at what his auntie does..
2007-01-08 11:18:44 · answer #3 · answered by Shawn M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
TY, Holly, for joining the armed forces. Tell the young fellow what those above said and keep it simple. Keep the emphasis on the fact that yuou will be fighting 'the bad' and are doing it in order that he and everyone can 'have what they want' in this country. Tell him you will try your best to see him often and when you expect to see him again for the first time. If you're trying for Ranger then extra good luck and "Oooorahh". (Keep your feet together and your toes pointed straight ahead on the Water drop obstacle at the end of the Slide for Life. LOL) Good luck! Good health! Good comrades!
2007-01-08 10:00:23 · answer #4 · answered by Nightstalker1967 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Thank you for volunteering. There are some of us who still appreciate service to this country.
Tell the kid the straight truth. Most 5 year olds know what the army is. He should understand that you are one of the good guys that is going to stop the bad guys. You can explain more as he asks.
2007-01-08 10:09:56 · answer #5 · answered by John H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Like I explained to my children and they explained to theirs.
There are some bad people hurting little kids and stealing their teddy bears .I'm going over there to stop them from doing that.
That way , they can't come here and take your teddy bear.
Kids understand that.
2007-01-08 09:57:53 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hey! Thanks for joining! I appreciate your willingness to serve our country. Tell him you will be a hero! You are to me, as is all who serve! God Bless Really. 5 year olds usually understand the Army. Tell him what your are doing and then ask him if he has questions.
2007-01-08 10:57:17 · answer #7 · answered by gigglings 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
explain to him that you will still be in contact with him over the phone and that you will be back before long.
2007-01-08 09:51:26 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋