Not sure where to start? Get help!

Explain the War in Ukraine to Your Child.

Over the past two years, children have struggled to understand the COVID-19 virus, shutdowns, school closures, and why they couldn’t see friends and families or do sports and everyday activities they love. Many parents became exhausted by trying to help their children feel normal while explaining the pandemic to their children. Now that the pandemic has begun to slow down, we are met with another crisis—the war in Ukraine. For many of us, this humanitarian crisis is in another continent. However, social media, the news, and the internet can make it feel very close to home. Which has likely caused you to question how to explain the war in Ukraine to your child?

What’s the best way to explain the war in Ukraine to your child?

Even though we’d all like to assume our kids are oblivious to what is happening, they aren’t. Many children are well aware of the Ukraine conflict, which is causing a significant amount of anxiety for many children. Many children have big feelings and questions about what is happening. So, how can you explain the war in Ukraine to your child without causing more anxiety or dismissing it like it’s nothing?

Don’t dismiss their feelings.

Many parents today watched the events of September 11 on the T.V. Trauma has stuck with us. To avoid the anxiety that comes with it, we often dismiss our feelings about such things and tell ourselves, “this isn’t happening here, so it’s fine.” While we may be quick to ignore our emotions, we must be careful not to do the same to our children. You should give your child the time and space to express their feelings. You must acknowledge their feelings and let them know that it’s ok to feel that way.

It’s normal to feel angry, worried, sad, and frustrated. Allowing your child the time and space to explain their feelings is beneficial. And also, your child needs to know that you have feelings about what is happening too. Please know that feeling sad, frustrated and mad about the events is healthy. When you acknowledge your feelings, your child will easily accept theirs. Suggest writing or creating art if your child struggles to explain their feelings.

Let them ask tough questions.

Your child has big feelings, thoughts and questions. They are individuals growing up in a challenging time. Your child needs to know that their concerns, ideas and questions are taken seriously. When your child brings a problem or question to you, it’s important to approach their questions sensitively and honestly. We all assume we must sugarcoat everything for our kids, avoiding topics and discussions about such events.

Many parents don’t realize that allowing their children to ask questions, have these sensitive conversations, and answer their questions honestly and to the best of their knowledge is essential. If you’re struggling to understand something or do not have the answers, you should explain to your child that this is a highly complex situation that not everyone understands. But many are working tirelessly to find solutions and end this war.

Utilize a map or globe when you explain the war in Ukraine to your child.

When explaining the war in Ukraine, take time to help your child understand the geography of the situation. Show your child where you are on the map, then Ukraine and Russia. Take the time to explain and emphasize the countries worldwide that are helping. While also showing them the countries that are not supporting Russia and are actively working to help end this crisis.

Help your child fact-check media.

This is especially important for older children who may have access to social media. It can be tough to figure out what is real and not regarding social media. Anyone could post something, and others can accept it as fact. Remind your child to check sources, and rely on safe domains and trusted people on social media.

Here’s a helpful resource to help your child fact-check.

Common Sense Education – Help Your Students Fact-Check the Web Like Professionals

Teach your children to look for helpers.

In the famous words of Mr. Rogers, “When I was a boy, and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” While the war in Ukraine is filled with terrible things, we can help our children focus on helpers. Like those at the borders of Ukraine assisting refugees by providing them with food, shelter and clothes. There are always people willing to help.

For older children, help them learn the facts.

Some very reliable resources are available to help our older learners understand what is happening in the world right now. You can help your children learn about what is happening and why, along with reliable, updated information on the current situation.

Check out CBC Kids News for more information.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

If your child is struggling to understand, don’t be afraid to ask for help from professionals trained to listen, understand and help your child process their thoughts and feelings better. Additionally, you can utilize the Thoughts and Feelings: Learning how to Manage How I Think and Feel Special Interest Unit to help your child navigate the big feelings they are feeling. Remember that we are all navigating this crisis together; it’s difficult to explain something that we may not fully understand, so remember to be patient with yourself.

Together we can help children in Ukraine.

Explain the war in Ukraine to your child

For March, we donate a portion of all sales to the Save the Children Ukraine Crisis Fund.

BLOG

Related Articles

COMMENT

Post a Comments

A lectus ac pulvinar tincidunt accumsan. Ullamcorper dolor at lectus ac, sed facilisis hac. Molestie aliquam ut blandit nibh vulputate lectus in sit. Egestas in dolor dui purus tincidunt eget cras nisl est aliquam ut blandit nibh vulputate lectus ullamcorper.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Contest Terms and Conditions
Eligibility:
This contest is open only to those who are aged between 10 and 15 years as of the date of entry. The contest is only open to legal residents of the United States or Canada and is void where prohibited by law. The child must be signed up for the contest by their legal guardian. Employees of Schoolio, its affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies, and suppliers, (collectively the “Employees”), and immediate family members and/or those living in the same household of Employees are not eligible to participate in the Contest.
Agreement to Rules:
By participating, the Contestant (“You”) and the Contestant’s legal guardian agree to be fully unconditionally bound by these Rules, and You represent and warrant that You meet the eligibility requirements. In addition, You agree to accept the decisions of Schoolio as final and binding as it relates to the content of this Contest.
Contest Period:
Entries will be accepted online starting on [start date] and ending [end date]. All online entries must be received by [end date at time].
How to Enter:
The Contest must be entered by the legal guardian of the participant using the online form provided at www.schoolio.com/entrepreneurship-2023 by 11:59pm EST on July 31, 2023 and final submissions must be sent via https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Qi6ZRUl-MAqb6IRBr4QyOvEvjD3n_dOZEFkXUleJMgM/edit no later than 11:59pm EST on August 25, 2023. The entry must fulfil all Contest requirements, as specified, to be eligible to win a prize. Entries that are incomplete or do not adhere to the rules or specifications may be disqualified at the sole discretion of Schoolio.
Prizes:
The Winner(s) of the Contest (the “Winner”) will receive $1000, a one-year subscription to Schoolio Digital, and branded merchandise to be decided by Schoolio. The specifics of the prize shall be solely determined by Schoolio. No cash or other prize substitution shall be permitted except at Schoolio’s discretion. The prize is non transferable. The prize must be collected by the legal guardian of the Winner. Any and all prize-related expenses, including without limitation any and all federal, state, and/or local taxes, shall be the sole responsibility of the Winner’s legal guardian.
Winner Selection and Notification:
Winner will be selected under the supervision of Schoolio based on their sole judgement. The Winner’s legal guardian will be notified by email within fifteen (15) business days following selection of Winner. Schoolio shall have no liability for Winner’s failure to receive notices due to spam, junk e-mail or other security settings or for Winner’s provision of incorrect or otherwise non-functioning contact information.
Rights Granted by You:
By entering this contest (e.g., photo, video, text, etc.), You understand and agree that Schoolio, anyone acting on behalf of Schoolio, and Schoolio licensees, successors, and assigns, shall have the right, where permitted by law, to print, publish, broadcast, distribute, and use in any media now known or hereafter developed, in perpetuity and throughout the World, without limitation, your entry, name, portrait, picture, voice, likeness, image, statements about the Contest, and biographical information for news, publicity, information, trade, advertising, public relations, and promotional purposes, without any further compensation, notice, review, or consent.
Terms & Conditions:
Schoolio reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Contest should virus, bug, non-authorized human intervention, fraud, or other cause beyond Schoolio’s control corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, or proper conduct of the Contest.
Disputes:
This Contest is governed by the laws of Ontario, Canada, without respect to conflict of law doctrines.