How sad that my 14 year old truly believed that they shouldn't have school today. And no, he didn't just want another day off. He was a little scared. He is not obsessing or anything, just voicing his fears.

Here are some of his comments to me at bed-time last night:

What if something happens here or in DC? Does the school know what to do? Is there any way possible that we could be attacked by air? Do you think there are any terrorists where we live? Why would they rebuild the twin towers? Don't you think that as soon as they are built, they will be attacked again? I wish all of the world could have the same government and we wouldn't have to worry about war. I wish I could invent an invisible shield that could go around the world that would shelter us from any terrorism...it could be in the waters and the skies... and on and on it went.

I listened for a long time, said what I could to reassure him. I surely don't have all the answers. Who does?

I simply told him that I am having some of the same thoughts and the only way I can go about this life is by faith. I told him I am sure I would find out if the schools needed to close. I will keep my cell phone on me at all times.

I assured him that God is ultimately in control and that no matter what happens God is always with him and he can talk to Him and feel protected by Him. That is how I am finding comfort.

What are you saying to your kids?

Oh, and my husband and I decided no television news on in the morning. They don't need to be reminded before they walk out the door for school.

I feel so bad for our children -- and I don't mean to diminish their fears at all -- but can you imagine what the children in Iraq and Kawait and even Palestine are saying to their parents tonight ????? when the Americans invade us will they kill us -- will our home be bombed tonight -- are we next ???? I can't even imagine what these people have been told about us "evil Americans" by their government.

If our allies and even our own people are protesting against this war -- how can we think that our "enemies" people know anything good about us ????

Maybe if you mention to your children that they are so much safer here in America -- and so blessed to be here -- that our government is aware of the dangers and are on orange alert. Remind them to keep aware of their surroundings and go to school and come straight home for a few weeks. Assure them that the adults in their life have nothing but their safety in their minds -- maybe it will help with their fears ????

I don't know -- if you find anything that works with your children -- will you tell me so I can sleep tonight too

God bless this world !!!!

I found this while searching for some answers -- I don't know if you can get it this way but let's hope so and that it helps

Keyword: AOL Parenting: America at War

You might have to be a member of AOL to get it -- I tried to link it but I wasn't able to -- if you can't get it -- let me know and I'll try to copy/paste some of the messages

Thanks for the information. I am starting a new TOPIC today called CURRENT EVENTS. I was considering having the topic WAR TIMES, but I am being optimistic and naming it CURRENT EVENTS. This way if the war is short lived we can keep our topic and continue to post about current events.