How to talk to a child about war

Today's realities force us to tell our children about very serious and horrible things. How can we do this correctly? You need to talk about the war with a child in an age-appropriate manner and in their "language". There is no need to tell more than the child wants to know.

Why do children ask?

• They want to understand and be sure of their safety, protection, and that he or she will not be abandoned by those who care about them, that is, us adults.
• Therefore, first of all, adults should take care of themselves as much as possible. For example, if a mother feeds her child and does not eat, the child may also refuse to eat. The mother will not have the strength and resources to answer the child's questions and be balanced.

It is important to be honest, open and more or less calm.

• You should not make promises that everything will be fine. No one ever knows what will happen next. Tell the truth - I don't know what will happen, but I know for sure that I will not leave you alone, I will be with you no matter what.
• In a conversation, you should be "on the same level" - sit down next to the child or sit down to the child if you are standing.
• You should not initiate such a conversation with children yourself. It is more appropriate to create conditions so that children are not afraid to ask any questions.
• At the same time, don't be afraid of difficult questions. If you don't know the answer, don't hide it. Tell your child - I don't know. You cannot and should not know everything.

And don't forget to repeat the most important thing at every opportunity - I love you.

Psychological support hotline fromPledges» the number 0 800 4000 23 is available:

• free
• throughout the territory of Ukraine
• from all mobile operators
• for calls from abroad +38 050 493 03 07
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