Talking to Kids About War on the School Run (Blossoms, Big News and Being Early)

On this bright, frosty school run in The Hague, Hearts and Handlebars dives into how to talk to kids about war, scary news and the US–Israel strikes on Iran—without crushing their sense of safety. From cherry blossom, new fringes and favourite flowers to forgotten mouthguards and school‑newspaper book reviews, journalist‑mum Anna Holligan uses a real‑time cargo‑bike ride with her nine‑year‑old to explain why Iran is in the headlines, what bombing and “international justice” mean, and how families can answer big geopolitical questions in age‑appropriate language. If you’re a parent juggling school runs, hockey sticks and heavy headlines, this episode offers a grounded, honest example of talking about conflict, safety and kids’ emotions on an ordinary school morning in the Netherlands.