Talking to kids about war can feel overwhelming for parents, but thoughtful conversations can help them process their feelings and make sense of what they hear or see.
Here are a few tips from the experts for parents to talk to their kids about war.
The war in the Middle East is widely covered across multiple platforms, from social media to traditional news outlets. Even if parents try to limit exposure, children are likely to come across it in some form. This can lead to stress and anxiety, especially as related incidents continue to surface in the United States.
“What is happening across the Middle East and the wider region is frightening for both children and adults,” said Rebecca Smith, Save The Children’s global head of child protection in an interview with Huffington Post UK.
Dr. Emily Crosby, a child and educational psychologist, and experts from Save the Children and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC), shared five tips to help parents talk to children about war in a way that supports understanding and reassurance.
Listen and validate their concerns
The experts from Save the Children suggest that acknowledging and validating the concerns of children, not only about this topic, but all others, is great parenting. Reassuring them and listening will help parents curb misunderstanding, offer them a sense of compassion and understanding, and it will also allow parents the opportunity to encourage children to feel what they feel.
Dr Crosby agrees. “Validate any feelings and emotions they may have on the topic,” she advised. “Always listen to what they have to say and be careful about [sharing] your own views, give them space.”
Think about what news they are exposed to
The experts suggest that parents utilize parental controls while their children are online so that they will know and can somewhat control exactly what their children are being exposed to.
“It’s important to be mindful of how much news exposure you provide children,” Dr Crosby said. She said too much exposure can increase distress and lead to confusion.
Tackle misinformation head-on
Dr. Crosby suggests that parents tackle misinformation head-on and “carefully challenge” the information if it is coming from friends and family. Providing accurate information early can help ease unnecessary fear.
Place limits on news consumption
“Whilst you cannot avoid the topic altogether, be careful of how much you allow this into the family home,” Dr. Crosby said. Too much of something is not necessarily a good thing.
Use age appropriate language
You know your child and you know what language they can and cannot absorb or handle. Talk to them on their level.
“Focus on what they can control and what they cannot control,” Dr Crosby said. Save The Children added that it’s important we are “careful not to over-explain the situation or go into too much detail as this can make children unnecessarily anxious”.
