**Title: AITA for banning my child from watching Smeshariki and destroying his Krash plush due to the Russo-Ukraine War?** So, for some context, I am a parent to an 8-year-old who absolutely loves the Russian cartoon Smeshariki (also known as Kikoriki). He used to watch it all the time and had a favorite character, Krash, a pink rabbit. He even had a plush toy of Krash that he carried everywhere. With the ongoing Russo-Ukraine War, I've become increasingly uncomfortable with the thought of my son consuming any sort of Russian media. I believe it's wrong to support anything that comes from a country involved in such a conflict, especially considering the gravity of this situation and the innocent people suffering because of it. So, I decided to ban him from watching Smeshariki. I explained to him that we cannot support anything that comes from Russia, including his favorite cartoon, because of the war. He was upset but seemed to understand. However, things escalated when he wouldn't give up his Krash plush. I told him we needed to get rid of it, but he refused, and it led to a big argument. Eventually, in a moment I'm not proud of, I took the plush and cut it up when he was at school. When he came back and found out, he was devastated, more than I had anticipated. He hasn't talked to me properly since then. I felt that my actions were justified given the current geopolitical climate, but after seeing his reaction, I'm starting to question it. I thought I was teaching him a valuable lesson about the real-world implications of our choices, even in something as seemingly inconsequential as the media we consume. AITA here? --- **Top Comment**: YTA - While your intentions might come from a place of moral conviction, the execution was deeply flawed. Children develop strong attachments to their toys, and they are not yet able to fully grasp the complexities of international politics. There were countless ways to educate your child on the issue without resorting to destruction of his property. You've not only taken away his comfort object but also potentially damaged his trust in you over a matter he is too young to understand. --- **Another Comment**: YTA. Destroying your son's plush didn't teach him about the consequences of the war; it only taught him that his feelings and attachments are disposable. Your role is to guide and educate, not dictate emotional responses to complex global issues by means of destruction. --- **Yet Another Comment**: YTA. You can raise awareness and instill values in your child without punitive actions against his beloved possessions. This approach likely won't foster understanding or empathy in your child, but rather resentment and confusion. Better to have used this as a teaching moment to discuss the situation at an age-appropriate level. --- **Final Comment**: YTA for how you handled it. Children's shows like Smeshariki are designed to be neutral and bring joy to kids worldwide. Banning the show is one thing, but destroying a child's toy to make a point about an issue so complex is overstepping. You owe your son an apology and a new Krash plush, along with a more thoughtful conversation about the realities of the world.

**Title: My parent destroyed my Krash plush from Smeshariki because of the war, and I don't know how to feel.** Hey everyone, I'm 8 years old, and something happened recently that I'm really sad about and kind of confused. I really loved watching this cartoon called Smeshariki, and my favorite character was Krash, the pink rabbit. He's really funny and goes on a lot of adventures. I had a Krash plush that I've had for a really long time, and I used to take it everywhere with me. Because of the war between Russia and Ukraine, my parent told me that I can't watch Smeshariki anymore. They said it's because it's a Russian show, and we shouldn't support anything from there because of the war. I was sad but I understood that wars are bad and I don't want to make things worse. But then, they said I also had to get rid of my Krash plush. I didn't want to because Krash isn't about the war or anything; he's just a character from a cartoon. I tried to explain, but we ended up arguing. One day, I came home from school and found out that my parent had destroyed my Krash plush. I felt really, really sad and I've been having a hard time talking to them since then. I don't understand why they had to cut up Krash. I miss him a lot. I know the war is bad, but Krash was just a toy that made me happy. I don't get why my toy had to be destroyed because of something so far away that has nothing to do with Krash. I wish I could have my plush back and that things could be normal again. I'm trying to understand but it's really hard. I just wanted to share because I'm not sure what to do or feel right now. Maybe if anyone has any advice or if something like this has happened to you, you could tell me how you dealt with it? Thanks for reading.

**Title: Update: I've been crying a lot and I really miss watching Smeshariki** Hey, it's me again. I wanted to give an update because I've been feeling really down lately. Ever since my parent destroyed my Krash plush and told me I can't watch my favorite cartoon Smeshariki anymore, I've been having a really hard time. I've been crying a lot because I miss Krash and the show so much. It feels like I lost my best friend. I understand that the war is a serious thing, and it's really sad that people are getting hurt. But I miss the adventures and the laughs from Smeshariki. It was the one thing that would always make me happy, no matter what. Now, it feels like there's this big void, and I don't know how to fill it. My room feels emptier without my Krash plush, and watching other shows just isn't the same. I tried talking to my parent again, to tell them how much I miss Krash and the show, hoping maybe they would understand. But it didn't change anything. They said I need to be strong and understand why we can't have anything to do with the show or Krash because of where they come from. I'm trying to be strong, but it's really hard. Sometimes, at night, I wish Krash was still here, so I could hug him and feel better. I know my parent is trying to do what's right, but I wish there was a way to explain how much this hurts. I don't want to support anything bad, but I also didn't think loving Krash and Smeshariki was bad. Thank you to everyone who left kind words last time. It made me feel a bit better, knowing there are people who understand. If anyone knows how to feel better when you miss something a lot, could you please tell me? I'm trying to find ways to smile again, but it's just really hard without my favorite show and Krash around.

"Just caught up on Johnny Test, Teen Titans Go, Squish, Adrenalini Bros, My Goldfish is Evil, & Horrid Henry - all good in their own way, but nothing fills the void. DEARLY missing Smeshariki. The adventures, the laughs, the lessons. It's not just a show, it's a piece of my heart. #BringBackSmeshariki"

"Mom said 'So, you like all those, forget about that Russian thing.' It made me feel even sadder. I realize now how much I REALLY, REALLY miss my Krash plush. Every show I watch, every laugh, there's a shadow over it, reminding me of what I've lost. Starting to understand the gravity of the situation more each day. With innocent people suffering, I can't help but feel guilty for missing Smeshariki so much. 'As long as Russian soldiers are killing innocent Ukrainians, I will never see this show again .' My heart is heavy with both loss and the weight of the world's sorrow."

**Title: Two Years On: Accepting I'll Never See Smeshariki Again Amidst Escalating Tensions** Hey Reddit, It's been a while since I last talked about Smeshariki here, the Russian cartoon that used to be a massive part of my childhood. It's hard to believe it's already been two years since the incident with my destroyed Krash plush and the subsequent banning from watching the show due to the Russo-Ukraine war. Back then, I was just a kid grappling with losing a piece of my innocence to the complexities of geopolitics. I spent many nights missing the adventures of Krash and his friends, holding onto a sliver of hope that maybe, just maybe, things would change enough for me to enjoy their world again without guilt. Now, as I'm writing this, the world has only seemed to spiral further into conflict, with tensions between nations escalating in a way that the term 'WW3' is no longer just the stuff of dystopian fiction but a looming possibility discussed in earnest tones on the news. I've come to a tough realization these past few years, especially with how the global situation has deteriorated. As much as Smeshariki was a source of joy and comfort, part of growing up has meant acknowledging the gravity of real-world issues and accepting the losses that come with them. I've essentially given up hope of ever returning to the show, understanding that some chapters of childhood are definitively closed, marked by the broader narrative of global conflict. Don't get me wrong, I still find myself missing those simpler times, and the thought of Krash brings a bittersweet smile to my face. But I've also discovered new sources of inspiration and joy, stories that resonate with the person I'm growing into, amidst a world that's far more complicated than the one inhabited by Smeshariki. To those who offered words of comfort and understanding during those initial tough times, thank you. It's been a journey of growth, loss, and acceptance. And to anyone else out there who's had to let go of something beloved due to circumstances beyond their control, know that while the loss may always sting, the strength we draw from moving forward is invaluable. Just wanted to get these thoughts off my chest and maybe hear from anyone who's gone through something similar. How do you cope with the loss of something that once brought you so much joy? Thanks for reading.

**Title: A Farewell Letter to Smeshariki: Thank You for the Memories** Dear Reddit and to the wonderful world of Smeshariki, As I reflect on my journey and the complex emotions that have come with it, I realize it's time to officially say goodbye to a chapter of my life that brought me so much joy, laughter, and comfort. It might be just an animated show to some, but for me, Smeshariki represented a significant part of my childhood and a simpler time. To Krash, Chiko, Barry, and the rest of the gang, thank you for the adventures we shared. Each episode was a new discovery, a lesson wrapped in humor and warmth. You were my companions during times of loneliness, my escape into a world where the biggest problems could be solved by the end of an episode, and where friendships were unbreakable. Though the external world has drastically changed, and with it, the innocence of enjoying such a show without the weight of geopolitics bearing down, the memories remain untouched, pure, and vibrant. You've taught me the importance of humor, the value of friendship, and that even in the simplest stories, there's a lesson to be learned. As I grow older and the realities of the world become ever more present, I find myself watching less and less, moving further away from the world of Smeshariki. "I'll always remember and cherish you, until I forget ." This sentence, as heartbreaking as it is, resonates with a truth about growing up and moving on. Our memories, no matter how cherished, often fade as we form new ones, as we reshape our lives in the image of who we're becoming. But I believe that the essence of what we love remains within us, shaping our values, influencing our choices, and coloring our worldviews. So, in a way, the spirit of Smeshariki and the lessons learned will always be a part of me, guiding me like the flicker of a cartoon on a young child's face in a dark room, full of wonder and possibilities. As I bid farewell to this chapter, I do so with a heavy but grateful heart. Thank you, Smeshariki. Thank you for the memories, the laughs, and the comfort. You've played a crucial role in my story, and for that, I'm eternally grateful. To everyone who has shared in this journey, who has had to say goodbye to something or someone they cherished due to forces beyond their control, know that while the goodbye may be painful, the memories and the impact remain. Let's carry forward the lessons and the love, even as we learn to let go. Thank you for being a part of my story. Sincerely, A fan who's grown but never forgotten