As the conflict in Ukraine escalates, children are seeing images and hearing news stories that are making them feel insecure, fearful and anxious. It is important for parents to be able to manage this. Save the Children’s emotional health specialists say that at a young age, children do not fully understand what is happening in Ukraine. They have many questions about the images, stories or conversations they are witnessing.
Past global research by Save the Children into the conflicts in Iraq and Syria has revealed heartbreaking accounts of children feeling terrified by the bombings and airstrikes. They felt uncertain about tomorrow and unhappy that they could not continue to go to school. Most of the children who participated in this research showed signs of severe emotional distress.
“What is happening these days is scary not only for children but also for adults. If we ignore or avoid the subject, our children will feel even more alone and scared, which will affect their physical and psycho-emotional health. Therefore, it is important to have open and honest discussions with them, to help them better understand what is happening,” says a statement sent by “Save the Children”.
1. Stop what you are doing and listen to your child when they want to talk to you
Give children opportunities to tell you about what they know, how they feel and what they want to ask you. Their overall picture may be very different from yours, so be patient with them as they tell you what they think and what they have seen or heard.
2. Adapt your story according to the child’s age
It is important to always keep in mind the age of your child when having such conversations. Young children may not understand the concept of armed conflict. They will need an explanation that they can understand. It is also important not to fall into the trap of giving too many details or explanations, as this can make them worry even more.
3. Validate emotions
It is important for them to feel understood in a conversation. Therefore, do not judge or ridicule their opinions. When we give children the opportunity to express their concerns in an open and honest discussion, we give them a sense of safety and reassurance.
4. Reassure them that adults are working hard to resolve the situation.
It is important to remind children that this problem is not their responsibility. That they do not need to feel guilty that they can play with their friends, meet with them and do things that bring them joy. In addition, it is important to remain calm when you have this conversation with them. Children often imitate their parents’ emotions. When you are stressed about a situation, it is likely that children will feel stressed too.
5. Give them the opportunity to help in a practical way
If they want to help, support them. Children who have the opportunity to help those affected by armed conflict feel like they are part of solving the situation. Therefore, encourage them to raise funds, send letters to local decision-makers or design small campaigns to ask for peace.
Save the Children Romania teams provided humanitarian assistance to 1,175 refugee children from Ukraine, at the border points in Sighet, Siret, Giurgiulesti and Isaccea and in asylum centers. They are joined by approximately 1,095 adults, mainly mothers.
-People seeking refuge from Ukraine need clear information about the asylum procedure and the transit regime;
-Psychological counseling is needed – both at the border and in the centers – there are dramatic situations that children are struggling to cope with;
-Basic supplies are needed: blankets, hats, gloves, medicines, toilet paper, garbage bags.
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