Guide for Discussing War with Your Children
In the wake of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, it's essential for parents and caregivers to approach discussions about the war with sensitivity and care. Here are some key recommendations to help children understand the situation and cope with any anxieties it may cause.
First and foremost, shield young children from violent and disturbing news to protect their emotional well-being. Experts agree that young kids should not be exposed directly to graphic content or distressing images[1]. As the news evolves, discussing the war with children should be considered an ongoing process.
Before starting the conversation, assess what the child already knows. This will allow you to tailor explanations and correct any misinformation or fears[5]. Use age-appropriate, simple language to explain the conflict and its impact. Avoid complex politics or graphic details but acknowledge feelings like sadness or worry. Emphasize helping and caring for others[1][5].
Validating and managing emotions is crucial. Reassure children it's okay to feel scared or sad. Help them express these feelings constructively and foster resilience and hope. Parents should also practice self-care to better support their children[2].
Limit and monitor children’s news intake to reduce anxiety. Explain that some news is complicated and frightening and that it’s okay to take breaks from media coverage[1][2]. Encourage empathy and empowerment by discussing ways to help, such as supporting charities or learning about refugees, which can give children a sense of agency and hope[1].
Maintain open communication, letting children ask questions anytime, to provide ongoing support and update explanations as needed[5]. Families should name the countries involved in the war when talking to their children. Military kids might be particularly affected, as they worry about the safety of their parents due to the war.
Brainstorm ways to help children understand the news about the war. Traumatic behaviors in children may include avoiding talk about the trauma, disruption in sleep patterns, and intrusive thoughts related to the traumatic event. Start the conversation by asking your child what they know and whether they have questions. Explain some reasons why the war started, such as competition over territory and resources, historical rivalries and grievances, and self-defense[3].
Global crises will have an effect upon children, whether acknowledged or not, and it's healthier to talk to them about it. American television host Fred Rogers suggests that discussing feelings can make them more manageable. "When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting and less scary," he said[4].
Communicate carefully and listen to your child with empathy. Be mindful of the news and conversations your child is exposed to. Permission is granted to news media to republish the news articles with credit to the University of Minnesota[6]. Images may also be republished, with specific photographer credits or limited use restrictions in the photo title.
These approaches collectively support children's emotional health during the ongoing crisis and help parents navigate difficult topics with sensitivity and care.
- To ensure the emotional well-being of children, it's vital to steer them away from excessive exposure to health-and-wellness content that may detail the gruesome aspects of the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
- Parents should also invest time in education-and-self-development, learning appropriate ways to discuss political matters like the Ukraine war with their children in a manner that's easy for them to understand and cope with.
- In seeking to provide a balanced perspective on global news, parents and caregivers can incorporate discussions on family-health issues, such as the plight of refugees and providing support for charities, to help children develop empathy for those affected by the crisis.
