What can a 5-6 yr old possibly understand about war?

OK, I just need some opinions....

My son came home from school last week asking me if it was possible that he would get shot in this war and if they were going to try and kill all of us.... totally shocked me, as my son does not usually ask such horrible questions.. turns out that there was a serviceman that came to the school for an assembly... right now I do not know what the basis was, or what was talked about except for the bits and pieces that I got from my son.... I'm a little upset with the school for first, not warning the parents as to this subject matter and secondly having kindergarteners talk about war in an assembly with older kids (possibly up to 8th grade)

Do you think I'm overreacting? I'm thinking of talking to the principal to see what the whole deal was.... and what do you find that a 5-6 yr old understands about war.... am I sheltering my little boy?

Re: What can a 5-6 yr old possibly understand about war?

I agree... I would definitely try to find out exactly what was discussed at the assembly. I understand the point of the children being told SOMETHING, but maybe it wasn't appropriate for 5-6 year olds. I am sure you will NOT be the first parent to question this. I'm assuming that the school had the kids in their best interest and your son walked away not understanding the entire topic... I hope that makes sense, lol...

Re: What can a 5-6 yr old possibly understand about war?

They sure can, there are alot of Mommys, Daddys', Uncles, Aunts, Cousins, Brothers, Sisters and even Grandparents oversears right now, you should see some of the amazing drawings my husband gets from 1-3rd graders wishing him Good Luck and to get the bad guys but I'm also more used to it since I have a 20 month old that every time he seems a man in a flight suit runs up to then looking for his "dada" so its pretty much in our faces.
I wonder what was discussed, maybe it was a troop that the school sponsered or a former alumni.
Tell your son not to worry, Jack's Daddy will keep him safe!

Message edited 2/7/2007 2:20:20 PM.

Re: What can a 5-6 yr old possibly understand about war?

Re: What can a 5-6 yr old possibly understand about war?

They can understand war & "killing" but that's about it from what I can see. Joseph wants to be soldier when he grows up. He's been told when the President learns to use his words rather than fight, he can.

I would call the teacher or at least send a note in with him. I think you should have been told if it was an assembly - particularly because this war is so political. If it was "career day" and someone's dad showed up that's different.

Re: What can a 5-6 yr old possibly understand about war?