Talking About War with Our Kids

 From IYI

Our kids are paying attention to the stories of children and families fleeing Ukraine. The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported that half a million children – the equivalent of almost one out of every three children in Indiana – were displaced from their homes in the conflict’s first seven days. As of Saturday, March 5, the United Nations Refugee Agency reported that more than 1.3 million Ukrainians had escaped to neighboring countries. What we are witnessing is one of the fastest-moving refugee crises since the end of the second World War. 

As our children learn about the tragedies facing Ukrainian children, how should we be talking to them about what’s happening now and about prior wars? Should we shield our children from the escalating tensions and its human impact? Should we engage them in discussions? What is the right time and approach? How we engage with our kids about global conflicts is important not only in these heated times but also in shaping their understanding of threats to human rights and democracy.    

Today, children of many ages consume a wide range of media, including social media images. They are naturally curious about what is going on in the world around them, and we want to encourage that curiosity. It is also understandable that our children and youth may react with feelings of fear, sadness, and anger. We can play important roles in helping children process what is happening by adjusting the discussions.  

So, what are some ways we can adjust to the discussion?  

In this month’s column, Tami Silverman discusses strategies to use when talking about war with our kids. To explore these strategies click here.  

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