What age did you start speaking to your kids about current events?

[Jolly Roger]

If you do speak to your kids about these topics, do you let your opinion be known or do you let them form their own opinions?

BQ: For those who may be affected by the big spill in the gulf, have you been taking the kiddos to the beach more often?
I can take my son year round here but lately I've been taking him almost every morning because I'm afraid that if we get a major hurricane it may never be the same! (I have been taking lots of pictures and video too. The beach is completely different now than it was when I was a kid too due to them pumping sand from deep in the ocean to help thwart erosion.)

 

[Corperate Zero]

I agree with Adrian, i dont believe in sheltering kids from news and events, id rather they learn about it from me than from other people.

My 5yr old twins were in the kitchen coloring when i was cleaning the livingroom and watching CNN and the whole thing about the oil spill came on and i didnt think they were listening and later on that day we went shopping for grocerys and other stuff and on the way back i stopped at a BP gas station and my 5yr old son Corey said "Daddy these people caused the oil spill! They ruining our beaches!" and when we got home i had a long talk with him about his feelings on the oil spill, i encourage my kids to form their own opinions about everything and not to just go with what everyone else says.
My oldest son is 9yrs old and wants to be a firefighter because he wants to help people because as he put it "Daddy i want to be a firefighter because one day i want to make a difference like the 9/11 firefighters"