Children of the Sept. 11 Era: Moms Talk

The events of Sept. 11, 2001, not just for New York and Washington, but for and all over America.

We're reminded of those changes when we queue up at the airport to take off our shoes or when we flinch upon hearing a particularly loud plane overhead.

Children and teens today have been living with this most, if not all, of their lives. Many of today's high school students were still learning not to eat the paste then. The post-Sept. 11 era is the only world they really know.

Let's talk about Sept. 11 and raising children in an America very changed by that day.

How have you explained that day to your children? If you suffered a personal loss that day, whether it was an old schoolmate or a friend from work, share how you have talked about grief with your child if at all.

Has it affected how you travel as a family? For example, are you less willing to fly or go out of the country, even to Canada?

Teaching your children about other cultures can sometimes be a minefield when innocent questions go to areas you're not sure how to address. Do your children have Muslim friends or teachers? Have you had to discuss prejudice with your children?

Sept. 11 also started a chain of events that led to two wars. If you have a member of the military in your family, share how things have changed for you and affected your kids.

Share your memories of Sept. 11 and how that day affected you.

Talk amongst yourselves in the comments.

Joining us, as always, is our great Moms Council.

 is a freelance reporter with Patch. Julie, a longtime reporter and communications professional, is a first-time mom of a son born in November.

 works in public relations. She and husband Timothy have a daughter, Amara. Monina is also a member of the Disney Moms Panel, one of 15 moms selected nationwide, advising people online about planning Disney vacations.

 is a mom of three children ages 5 and under with her husband, Bill. They are expecting their fourth child this winter. She also works part-time.

 is a native of New Jersey. She is a marketing professional who has worked in advertising, market research, vending and equipment companies. She and her husband live in Avon with their two children.

 is a mom to a Girl Scout and lives in Avon.

 is the newest member of the and past president of Avon Early Childhood PTA. She will also be blogging for Avon Patch. If you're a parent and want to share your experiences raising children in Avon, you, too, can .