9/11 Museum - Question

We're taking the kids into the city this weekend and we're doing a few things downtown, one of them being visiting the 9/11 memorial. I haven't been down there since shortly after 9/11 and I'd like to visit for myself but also to show my DD who is now 7. She's always had a lot of questions about what happened that day, especially now since she's learned about it in school. I thought it could be a good educational experience for her to actually visit the area.

In any case, I would also really like to see the museum however, do you think it's okay to bring a 2.5 yr old and a 7 yr old there? I've read online it's okay for them to visit, obviously it might be a little somber, but otherwise they are welcome in the museum. I just wonder if you'd bring your kids? Is it really crowded in the museum? Very quiet? I just don't know what to expect so I'd like to plan accordingly. How much time should I expect to be in the museum? Thanks!!!!

9/11 Museum - Question

Truthfully, I don't know if I'd bring a child of that age to the museum -- parts of it were ok, but walking through other parts I was crying (a lot). There is one area that they warn you about (you have to enter separate doors) so I would probably avoid that area with the children (although that's where a bit more of the substance is - There is a lot of information, images, artificats, recordings etc. -- the other areas, the main areas, may be ok....but I'd be cautious overall

9/11 Museum - Question

We went when it just opens to victims families and survivors. Dd was about 1 at the time and she was with us in her stroller the whole time. It's not crowded and plenty of room for a stroller.

As for it being age appropriate, there are obviously very emotional parts. Especially for me as someone who was there. But there are warning signs for the very disturbing parts.

Re: 9/11 Museum - Question

Thank you for the information, I appreciate it very much.

Re: 9/11 Museum - Question

You know your child.

I think that some 7 year olds would be able to absorb it - some would not. I am sure if you go to the Musuem's site they should have a guide for children & families - there are parts marked that they recommend for 11 & up, but most of the content I didn't find too graphic or disturbing.

I would bring a 2.5 year old only if he were able to be quiet and sit still for awhile. Its very emotional for some people and I wouldn't want my child to disrupt the tranquility.

It can be very crowded.

Re: 9/11 Museum - Question

Like, I have a two year old -- the other day when we were in Stop & Shop he was doing raspberries SO loud. When I was at the 9/11 museum there were parts where people were so quiet because they were watching a video exhibit or just looking at the pictures of those poor victims, and you could hear a PIN DROP. So, being a mama to a two year old boy -- I thought, I could see my son doing raspberries in the middle of that because he doesn't know any better because he is just two.

Now, the seven year old - fine. My nephew, when he was seven, was very mature, and he could walk through something and understood to whisper and you could talk to him about stuff and he would "get it" and be respectful because he knew what that meant and would listen.

So, the little guy who is my son's age is what worries me just at the parts that are somber and quiet -- and there's quite a few of those parts.

And FYI - there are some upsetting photos, items that were recovered, etc. for the seven year old -- not that I think she should be sheltered from it -- rather, I think it is better for her to see it and be aware that it happened. My grandfather did not hide a single detail from me about Pearl Harbor and WWII, which I agreed with and was thankful for years later. But I'm just saying it so that you know it going in and maybe can "warn" her ahead of time. KWIM?

Re: 9/11 Museum - Question

I think my 7 yr old would be okay for the most part, we'd watch what we let her see but it's history so I want to be open with her about what happened that day. I guess it's really my little one I'm worried about, he can be a dream or a terror depending on the day, lol, so I'm just worried about him being disruptive. Does it take a while to go through the museum?

Re: 9/11 Museum - Question

Re: 9/11 Museum - Question

Message edited 10/6/2015 1:49:38 PM.

Re: 9/11 Museum - Question

Re: 9/11 Museum - Question

I haven't gone yet - but the first time I go, I think I need to do it alone.
I don't want to bring my kids b/c I thnk I am going to be very emotional (and I'm usually not .......) and don't want to freak them out

Re: 9/11 Museum - Question

My sister and I went this past May and we took in my nieces and nephews - three were 13 and one 11 yr old.

We really went into the whole day as a discussion. As for them, its something taught in school or on the news on the anniversary. We were talking about where we were when things happened... how we felt, things we saw.

When we got to the museum, there were things that hit my sister and I differently. When she needed a moment, I took over the kids and vice versa. We explained as much as we could, they were very interested and asked a thousand questions. We were just very open with them.

The area's where they caution you as to the graphic nature of the images.. my sister went in first, saw it then very frankly explained what they would see and why - and totally left it to them to decide to go in. 3 did and 1 did not.

In all - I really think if your open, discuss and answer questions ... as much as you judge what your child can handle... its ok to bring them.

Re: 9/11 Museum - Question

Re: 9/11 Museum - Question

Thank you so much for all of the input, I appreciate it.

Re: 9/11 Museum - Question

I went alone with DH. DS is 9. We have passed by the memorial many times with DS and we have talked to him about 9/11. They do in school as well. However, I think the museum would be too much for DS and it would arise too many questions, that I think he is too young to understand. Even for me, the museum was very sad. It is difficult to move to different places there, without being exposed to a lot of things, if that makes sense.

On the other hand, the memorial is beautiful and it opens a great opportunity to talk about what happened. We also took DS to the observatory. That was a wonderful experience that I highly recommend.