How to Talk to Your Children About Conflict and War: 8 Tips to Support and Comfort Your Children

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About

This webpage provides eight tips for talking to children about conflict and war. It describes how parents can support their kids by understanding what they know and feel, using age-appropriate language, and spreading compassion instead of stigma. It suggests focusing on positive stories of helpers, closing conversations with care, checking in regularly with children, limiting news exposure, and taking care of oneself to better help the child. The goal is to reassure children that they are safe while encouraging open communication about their feelings during times of crisis.

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Tags

Focus Areas: Mental Health; Trauma; Violence

Audience: Families & Children

Emergency Management Stages: Response; Preparedness (Prevention / Protection)

Keywords: Anxiety; Conflict, Psychological; Grief; Parent-Child Relations; Stress, Psychological; Psychological Trauma; Warfare and Armed Conflicts; Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders

Institutions: United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)

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The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only. It does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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