What’s happening in Ukraine is huge and kids are taking notice. They may have a lot of big emotions: They could feel anxious, confused, scared or all of these at once. We’re here to support you with some kid-appropriate ways to answer questions, address fears and concerns, show them how to identify with children affected by the conflict and give them pathways to help if they would like to.
Address the fear, but reassure.
Kids are facing a crisis without precedent for their generation, and might be fearing the worst. Their minds might be taking them to scary places. Reassure them that, while things feel uncertain, the world is not ending. They don’t need to fully understand what’s happening, but they do need to feel secure.
Keep your eyes & ears open.
Your kid may be learning about the developing conflict from older peers, siblings or even adults. They might be catching glimpses of developing stories in headlines or exposed to misinformation from various sources. Respond quickly and calmly if your child asks about or repeats claims that aren’t true. Chances are good that the truth they hear from you is more reassuring than the untruths they may be hearing elsewhere.
Watch for signs & communicate.
With disturbing images splashed across virtually every television screen and device, it can be distressing for anyone to observe. If your kid shows signs of mental and emotional stress: lack of sleep or appetite, silence or irritability; ask questions, show support and empower them with knowledge.
Ask questions.
Like people across the globe, you likely have anxieties about what’s happening in Ukraine. But don’t assume your kid’s fears are your own. Ask them what they think is happening and how they feel about it. If they’re scared, ask them why. If you don’t have the answers, it’s okay. What matters is that you understand their concerns and they feel heard.
Educate, educate, educate.
We passionately believe that the pathway to a better, more peaceful world is learning. Communicate openly about circumstances and events that are impacting their own world so they can carry that knowledge with them and help build a better future. Here are a couple titles on Epic to explore the Ukraine experience together.
Ages: 10-12
Ages: 7-9
Ukraine’s kids are everyone’s kids.
Now’s the time to remember that the bridge that connects us, across continents, time zones, circumstances and perspectives is empathy. Inspire your kid to identify with, relate to and sympathize with what kids in areas of conflict are experiencing. Here are a few books on Epic that can give your kid insight into what children in other parts of the world experience during periods of war and unrest. You can also find these in the Ukraine: Copy Through Education collection on Epic.
Ages: 6-10
Ages: 8-10
Ages: 8-12
Ages: 9-12
Ages: 10-12
Let them help.
Like us grownups, kids are probably feeling overwhelmed, helpless and wondering how we can make a difference and assist those facing displacement, loss and other forms of suffering resulting from the conflict. Some ideas include:
- Writing letters to troops protecting citizens in Ukraine to show support and appreciation.
- Writing to children in Ukraine to let them know you care about what they’re experiencing.
- Finding organizations that accept donations of funds and items to help with humanitarian relief efforts.
Let’s stick together during this tough time. For more tips on talking about Ukraine with your kid, read this post from Omaha World Herald: “6 tips from a teacher mom for how to talk to kids about Ukraine, other tough topics.”
