Talking to Children about War
For those that have older children, thought you might want to read this:
The National Center for Children Exposed to Violence at the Yale Child Study Center has developed guidelines for how to talk to children about war. An excerpt to this guide is copied below as well as the web site for more complete information.
Parents' Guide for Talking to their Children about War: Why should I talk about this with my children?
With increasing news about war and with talk about the threats of terrorism, children, their parents and caregivers may feel uncertain and robbed of a basic sense of safety and security. We all share concerns about the horrors and dangers of war and terrorism. However, as adults and parents, it is our job to help our children and each other cope as best as we can with concerns that will confront us as individuals, families, communities and as a nation.
Your calm ability to listen to your children's concerns is one of the most powerful ways of helping them to learn, understand and feel safe and secure in the most important part of their world---their families.
When using these guidelines what should I keep in mind?
ØChildren whose family members or friends are directly involved in the war or are in the military will be more directly impacted.
ØOngoing threats of terrorism may add to children's distress related to the war and war may heighten concerns about terrorism.
ØChildren who have experienced trauma and loss or have longstanding emotional problems are most vulnerable during periods of new threats.
ØReactions will vary from child to child depending upon a variety of factors including their personality, age, developmental level and personal history.
ØNot all children will appear to be affected by news of the war. For some children, especially younger ones, it is not helpful to 'force the issue' if it does not appear to have an impact.
ØWhen thinking about how to talk to your children, take your lead from them in terms of what they need and what they are thinking and feeling.
ØHelping children deal with a difficult event is hard work-parents should seek help and support from other adults when needed.
What if I have more questions? Where can I turn for answers?
You may have many more questions or concerns. If you are concerned about your children, please contact a trusted professional in your community.
If you would like further information, you may also contact the National Center for Children Exposed to Violence through our website at
www.nccev.org or by calling 1-877-49-NCCEV (62238).
The National Center for Children Exposed to Violence at the Yale Child Study Center has developed guidelines for how to talk to children about war. An excerpt to this guide is copied below as well as the web site for more complete information.
Parents' Guide for Talking to their Children about War: Why should I talk about this with my children?
With increasing news about war and with talk about the threats of terrorism, children, their parents and caregivers may feel uncertain and robbed of a basic sense of safety and security. We all share concerns about the horrors and dangers of war and terrorism. However, as adults and parents, it is our job to help our children and each other cope as best as we can with concerns that will confront us as individuals, families, communities and as a nation.
Your calm ability to listen to your children's concerns is one of the most powerful ways of helping them to learn, understand and feel safe and secure in the most important part of their world---their families.
When using these guidelines what should I keep in mind?
ØChildren whose family members or friends are directly involved in the war or are in the military will be more directly impacted.
ØOngoing threats of terrorism may add to children's distress related to the war and war may heighten concerns about terrorism.
ØChildren who have experienced trauma and loss or have longstanding emotional problems are most vulnerable during periods of new threats.
ØReactions will vary from child to child depending upon a variety of factors including their personality, age, developmental level and personal history.
ØNot all children will appear to be affected by news of the war. For some children, especially younger ones, it is not helpful to 'force the issue' if it does not appear to have an impact.
ØWhen thinking about how to talk to your children, take your lead from them in terms of what they need and what they are thinking and feeling.
ØHelping children deal with a difficult event is hard work-parents should seek help and support from other adults when needed.
What if I have more questions? Where can I turn for answers?
You may have many more questions or concerns. If you are concerned about your children, please contact a trusted professional in your community.
If you would like further information, you may also contact the National Center for Children Exposed to Violence through our website at
www.nccev.org or by calling 1-877-49-NCCEV (62238).
