Commemorating 9/11: Things to do With NJ Kids on September 11

There are many things that are difficult to explain to kids; some topics can be avoided, some can be put off, and some have to be spoken and one can only hope for the wisdom and words necessary for the task. The event that took place ten years ago and changed all our lives forever is one of those topics that is unfortunately necessary but can be handled in many different ways and we’d like to give you a few options for explanation, remembrance, and sharing with your kids.

Social Media:

NJ Remembers 9/11 is a Facebook page which utilizes social media in its best form—community sharing and grieving. If you have slightly older children who love their computer time, this is a great way to have a teaching moment.  Pictures, links, memorial listings, and essays presented in a way your kids can relate to.

Memorials:

Visiting a memorial site or taking part in a tribute is a simple way to quietly participate in remembering and commemorating. One of the most famous, enduring and visual memorials, and one that can be seen from certain places in NJ as well as NYC, the Municipal Arts Society of NY will again produce the Tribute in Light, as it has every September 11th since 2003. There is also a We Remember candlelight vigil in Mantua Township, a remembrance ceremony in Deptford
and Weehawken is unveiling their memorial on September 7.

Exhibits:

Liberty Science Center’s continuing exhibit Skyscrapers has an enormous steel beam from the World Trade Center that is literally bent in half from the 9/11 events—I found this to be an intensely emotional and visual experience, as did my young children who seemed to grasp a great deal from this one symbol. Also, from September 8 through September 30, the NJ State Museum will honor the nearly 700 New Jerseyans who lost their lives on 9/11 with an exhibit based on the reflections and memories of NJ families, survivors, rescue workers and volunteers. 
The Puffin Cultural Forum’s exhibit “Aftermath: Post 9/11 Images” with artwork by prominent NJ artists Jean Holabird and Meron Philo, amongst others,  will open to the public on September 13. Also, a New York City event worth mentioning here is the “Embodied Light” exhibit for its beauty and poignancy.

For Discussion:

If you feel that visuals will be too disturbing for your kids and you’d rather just discuss the event, there are guides that can help you choose your words. The Voices of September 11 site has an article on Talking to Kids about Terrorism and if you missed last weeks broadcast of Nickelodeon’s special 9/11 NickNews, Parents Connect has published a follow-up article and discussion guide.

Day of Service:

Some parents may prefer remembering 9/11 by giving back to their communities in a day of service. The Volunteers Center of Bergen County has published an excellent list of ways to serve and a link to their national website where participants can post information about good deeds. Also, the wonderful website, I Will has a virtual “tribute quilt” where participants enter their chosen act of service and to whom they wish to dedicate it.

Day of Family:

If you would prefer to just spend the day enjoying and appreciating your family, Fosterfield’s Living Historical Farm will celebrate a Patriot Day, where 9/11 will be quietly recognized and then you and your kids can spend the afternoon engaging in farm and domestic activities of a less-technological era.

Please read our NYC 9/11 article for opportunities closer to Ground Zero.