Of course, all kids love summertime. Long days at the beach or the pool, hanging out with friends, eating ice cream, and fun outings are all favorite activities in the summer. It is not a coincidence, however, that the most profound days of mourning on the Jewish calendar occur during this season of heat and light, when there is such a spirit of fun and enjoyment. This isn’t meant to “rain on our parade,” but to give us a pause in our season of indulgence to think about our losses, which, in turn, increases our appreciation for our blessings. Unceasing enjoyment can make one irritable and a bit jaded. Perhaps Hashem placed the most solemn days at this time to renew our sense of purpose amid all of the fun, which can be pursued with even more enthusiasm after this 9 day pause for remembrance.
This is no less true for children than adults. Although Jewish law does not require very young children to observe all of the prohibitions for the nine days, including not listening to music or wearing freshly laundered clothes, many rabbis agree that kids around the age of 8 or 9 should begin to understand the significance of these days, and to fast for at least a portion of Tisha B’Av. A child may ask the same question as an adult, “Why do we cry for the Temple that was destroyed so long ago?” To this question, we can reply that G-d made us a special house where he could meet us, and when this house was destroyed, we no longer have a place where we can be with G-d. True, G-d is everywhere, all over the world (there is a story about a little boy who later became a great Chassidic Rebbe. His uncle offered to give him a coin if he could tell him where G-d was. The boy replied that he would give his uncle a coin if he could tell the boy where G-d wasn’t) the Temple was a very special place and we want it to be rebuilt, because when it is, there will be peace in the world, no more death and no more wars. Therefore, it is worth giving up some fun and pleasant things for a few days, and to tell G-d that we are sorry so he will bring the Messiah, the Temple, and a Peace forever.