Talking to Children About War by Sharon Melia Craven National Director North

 

Whilst training Facilitators to deliver the Rainbows programmes, we emphasise, when talking to children and young people about death that they know to

·        Ask what participants know, feel or have heard

·        Tell the truth about what has happened

·        Use language that is developmentally appropriate

·        Be prepared to answer questions over and over again

Recently our children and young people have been exposed to often harrowing details of the conflict in Ukraine either on the TV news or other media sources, displaying young and old suffering significant losses. These images and reports may cause feelings in our young people, of: - anxiety, fear, sadness, anger, helplessness, confusion, uncertainty or any of the other feelings associated with loss.

 So then when talking to children and young people about war, it is important to consider the above and let them know we are willing to talk and listen to them, acknowledging, respecting, and recognising their feelings as being valid.

Our children and young people will be reassured when they are reminded that parents and carers at home, and teachers at school, are there to keep them safe and that many people around the world are working hard to try to resolve the conflict.