Families across the globe are struggling with images and stories of horrifying events occurring in Ukraine. Talking to your child about what\u2019s going on may seem like a daunting task. You may wonder, \u201cWill it worry my child more if we talk about the war?\u201d Or \u201cWhat if I fall apart when they start to ask questions?\u201d These concerns are normal. But kids do better when they can talk openly with parents about scary topics like war. Here are some tips to help you have these conversations.<\/p>\n
Take care of yourself first.<\/strong> Do your best to get into a calm place and use techniques that help you to relax. This will help you have a supportive and intentional conversation with your child. Plus, as you calm yourself, you\u2019re practicing the very same skills that can help your child.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t expect perfection from yourself<\/strong>. You may become emotional, or not know what to say, and that\u2019s okay. Just listening and holding space for your child\u2019s feelings is a powerful gift to them.<\/p>\n Ask questions to open a conversation. <\/strong>Our children are exposed to news from so many sources: friends, social media, teachers, and TV. It\u2019s helpful to start with an open-ended question to learn what they\u2019ve heard and what scares or worries them. That way you can correct any misinformation and help reassure them that they\u2019re safe while validating that it\u2019s normal to feel sad and afraid, too.<\/p>\n Answer questions as they come up.<\/strong> Your child might ask many questions. Try to answer honestly when you can, but sometimes you won\u2019t have the answers. It\u2019s okay to say you don\u2019t know or that you\u2019ll find out and get back to them.<\/p>\n For younger children, it\u2019s important to explain that the conflict is happening far away. Tweens and teens will understand a lot more and might have more specific questions and concerns. My own son threw me for a loop when he asked if he\u2019d need to sign up for the draft.<\/p>\n Turning the conversation to how people here and around the world have banded together to help \u2013 such as through welcoming refugees into their homes and donating to relief efforts \u2013 can help shine a positive light on a terrible time. It also gives kids a sense of empowerment to know that we can still have an impact on tragic situations that are beyond our control.<\/p>\n Listen and acknowledge their fears<\/strong>. Simply being present with your child and offering space for them to share is often the best thing you can do. Saying something like, \u201cI can tell this really bothers you. Do you want to tell me more?\u201d can help a child feel understood.<\/p>\n Watch out for signs that your child is struggling.<\/strong> Sometimes, being aware of a situation like this may become overwhelming for children. Red flags to look out for include sleeping poorly, excessive preoccupation with the war (thinking, talking, or reading about it), avoiding fun things they used to do, or crying a lot. If you see these behaviors, please seek help from your pediatrician or therapist.<\/p>\n Here are some actions that can help a child:<\/p>\n It can be uncomfortable, but your willingness to have these conversations with your child is invaluable. It\u2019s an important opportunity for you and your child to connect and learn about world we live in, including its most difficult aspects.<\/p>\n Resources For Parents:<\/strong><\/p>\n My Doctor Online:<\/strong><\/p>\n Calm<\/a> – an app for meditation, mental resilience, and sleep<\/p>\n myStrength<\/a> \u2014 an app to improve your awareness and adapt to life<\/p>\n\n