How to Help Your Child Understand events in Ukraine
Photo by Nati Melnychuk on Unsplash
Whether it is one of the World Wars or the ongoing battles in Ukraine, Europe has been subjected to wars time and time again. But although this may be our current reality, it is still essential to set appropriate boundaries with your child to censor them from the many traumas and emotions that war can bring.
It is a fine line to walk between sharing the truth with your children while also protecting them until they are ready. So, in this article, we will explain some of the key concepts to understand the impacts of war on your child and how to navigate these difficult conversations.
What Are the Effects of the European Wars on My Child?
War affects us all, whether we realise it or not. But particularly at a younger age, your child is more susceptible to experiencing the trauma and emotions that war can bring because they have not yet fully developed the coping skills to manage them.
No matter what age, the news of war can bring fear, anxiety, depression, and a whole range of mental and physical health issues. Especially if you are raising your family in Europe or have friends and family living there, these wars are much closer to home and can feel like quite a significant threat. That is why it is essential to understand how to set appropriate boundaries.
How Much Should I Share with My Child About the events in Ukraine?
Every parent will choose how to navigate this information and what to share with their child in a different way. But a good rule of thumb is to wait until your child is 7 years old at least before sharing too much information, because they may not be able to understand it before then.
It is also essential to be conscious of which information you choose to share and perhaps leave out the more traumatic details that may cause more negative emotions to arise. If your child does begin to feel upset or afraid, this can be an excellent opportunity to help your child learn how to regulate their emotions and guide them back to safety through teaching coping skills.
How to Have Difficult Conversations with Your Child About War
War is a sensitive subject, and it should be handled with extra care when speaking with your child at any age. As you have this conversation, try to promote their sense of safety and utilise tools for coping with difficult emotions as they arise, such as deep breathing or co-regulation.
Every child will likely handle this exposure to the world’s trauma differently, so honour whatever emotions your child feels in this moment. Additionally, it may be wise to censor specific graphic details of war and explain this situation with appropriate boundaries based on your child’s age.
Navigating these conversations takes practice. So, even if things don’t go as planned, there is always an opportunity for repair by bringing some compassion to yourself and your child during this challenging process.