You might be finding in today’s world that it is becoming less and less possible to shield our children from the problems of the world, including the Ukrainian and Russian conflict.Events like these can be anxiety causing to children who worry about their own safety or that of their loved ones. So, it is important to talk to your little one about conflict and other important topics as they present themselves.First of all control what your child has access to in alignment with their age. The news can be even overwhelming for adults, so consider limiting your viewing of the news around them. Children much like adults worry for their safety and that of loved ones. Here are some simple tips when talking conflict with your child:
- Narrating the facts - do this according to their age and capability of understanding what you are telling them.
- Remind them this conflict is far away - Explain to your child that all of this is happening far away from your home. If your child is old enough, show them a map or globe and show them where Ukraine is located and reiterate how far it is from your home in terms they might understand.
- Focus on the helpers - in any bad situation you can always look for the helpers. Show them the many helpers and explain the many ways people are helping in Ukraine.
- Finding solutions - explain the presidents of Russia and Ukraine are talking and looking for a solution to the conflict.
- Fighting is not a good way to solve conflict - conflict is a part of life. Your child has probably struggled to share or they have disagreed with another child at school or on the playground. Explain that talking is the best way to resolve conflict, not fighting.
If your child is still struggling after talking with them, consider implementing some meditation into your daily routine. Despite Storybook’s vast library of stories, we also offer 5 guided meditations to help you and your little one relax.While we want to protect our children from everything, it just isn’t possible. Our most important job is arguably that of parents so consider having a talk with your child about conflict and conflict resolution. {{cta('511181ed-3741-4a6e-9c2d-0b2301cce057')}}
Written By
Francisco Cornejo, a dynamic entrepreneur with a Masters in Communication from RMIT University in Australia, is the Co-Founder and CEO of Storybook. As a serial entrepreneur, he notably served as the Chief Marketing Officer at Honda Motors in Latin America, shaping the brand's regional presence. Passionate about family well-being and communication, Francisco leads Storybook in its mission to improve children's health globally, aiming to create positive impacts in both corporate and societal spheres.
References
