Navigating Conversations About War and Conflict with your Children

The complexities of foreign policy and long-standing feuds between nations are too intricate for adults to understand let alone children. Therefore, I understand why many adults shy away from having conversations about war and conflict.This podcast exists to assist parents and educators in navigating these critical conversations so that we can protect the mental health of our children. In this episode, we discuss how to talk about the War In Ukraine with our school-age and adolescents childrenMy goal with this episode is to give adults the tools to help children manage the emotions that come with exposure to images of war and extreme violence. We want to help children develop empathy and ease emotional distress. Show Highlights:[00:01:45]The importance of fostering empathy and providing children context into what's going on in the world. [00:02:43] Difficult conversations provide parents and caregivers with the chance to help children develop an emotional vocabulary and critical thinking skills - Listen as I share other benefits of providing safe spaces to talk about emotions.  [00:03:24]How do children process complex information? Join me as I share what happens when children don't have context and the importance of developing compassion in children. [00:06:19] Note Of The Week- Talking To Children About War[00:07:52] Understanding is not based on age but cognitive, social, and emotional functioning - Here I share how to discuss the war with various age groups and conversation starters. [00:17:47] The problem with news and media is that is not designed for children. Listen as I share strategies for protecting children's mental health.[00:30:50] Strategies for understanding the emotional language of children and how to adopt their communication style to encourage open dialogue.[00:29:15] Self-care for parents and caregivers and the importance of modeling authenticity is explained here.Click here for the note of the weekRegister for the Parenting Values Workshop Connect with me!Website| Instagram| Twitter| EmailThe Value-Based Masterclass is for parents and caregivers who need guidance to identify their Parenting Values and who would love a space where they can explore the values they bring to parenting.The Masterclass will take place Live via Zoom on Monday, March 28th at 8:30 pm EST / 7:30 pm CST. After you purchase your ticket, you will receive a Zoom link.REGISTER HERESupport the show