I picked up my 2nd and 3rd graders from school yesterday. I didn't want them hearing what had happened from older kids on the bus - the school told the 4th/5th graders and not the younger grades.

My 2nd grader asked "Dad, does this mean the World Trade Towers aren't here anymore?" - he was the one who always tried to spot them first on our way into New York, he was very proud of knowing which buildings they were.

My 3rd grader drew this picture: http://www.compukid.com/wtc/handpic.jpg
He is very visual and this was his way of showing his feelings.

They both came to me this morning and asked what they could do to help. I just told them to be there for any kids in school that may have lost a family member.  Being in northern NJ we are fairly close to all that has happened. I personally knew one person on the Dulles flight, and our CFO has just been hearing name after name of people he knew that didn't make it, he worked for years in the Twin Towers.

It was not easy telling my kids what had happened, and trying to explain to them that they are safe - hopefully they are.