How do would you explain remembrance day and poppies to a four year old with daddy deployed?

[DorsetLass]

My four year old DD had lots of questions about Poppies last year, and we told her that they were to remember all the brave soldiers, sailors, airmen/women who look after us. She was three - i felt more was not appropriate. This year my DH is just going into month seven away this year - now in afghanistan. Someone helpfully explained that the poppies are to remember all the brave soldiers who have died. Of course know this is true, but at what age, and how do you choose to explain?? I now have one very tearful girl that cries every time she sees a poppy in case daddy doesn't come home

I would say the same as you did last year.

Hugs

Do you think I should mention it to her reception teacher incase they are planning on talking about it at school?

As a military dad.... tell her what you told her last year. Just remind her that daddy is away looking after us, loves us very much, and get her a countdown chart for the day he comes home.

I didn't consider this. My husband is also away currently and I have a three year old and have told her almost exactly the same thing. Better have a chat with the nursery I think.

Thanks all - we did have a countdown chart that had to be quickly 'lost' due to his return date being delayed for two months!!! Best make another - good advice. Thank you x

We haven't really mentioned the remembering the dead aspect of it, I've just said it is our way of saying thank you to all the brave soldiers.

What a thoughtless comment for someone to make to your DD, I have a 4 year old DD too and can well imagine the effect that comment would have in your circumstances.

We got a big jar of small sweeties, and let DS have one a day, I always put far too many in so that we could never get caught out!

I would just tell your DD that it's to say thank you for all the soldiers, sailors and airmen who have looked after us for a long time. Time enough for the grim realities later