How to talk to children about Ukraine
A message from our editor-in-chief
Hello to The Week Junior community,
We know that many children have questions about what's happening in Ukraine. Here are a few thoughts about how to handle these sensitive discussions.
• Answer their questions honestly and calmly, without providing more detail than is appropriate for their maturity level.
• Look at a map together and show them where Russia and Ukraine are. Explain that many countries around the world, including the US, do not support this action and are taking steps to stop the conflict.
• Ask children what they know and what they think. Giving them a chance to share their thoughts helps them feel empowered, and letting them know you are there to listen is reassuring. If they are worried about something that is inaccurate, you can correct it.
• Focus on the helpers, from the nations and nonprofits sending food and supplies to the neighboring countries taking refugees in.
• Reinforce your family's values. You can say you are concerned for the Ukrainian people and the members of the military who are involved and that you hope for peace.
Two articles I was recently quoted in provide additional advice. I invite you to read the Associated Press story on talking to children about Ukraine and these helpful tips from New Jersey Family.
With kind regards,
Andrea Barbalich
Help kids understand the news
The Week Junior is covering the Russian invasion into Ukraine as the news unfolds. The goal of our coverage, in words and images, is to present the facts in a clear, calm, accurate, and straightforward way. Here are our articles from Issue 98, Issue 99, Issue 100, Issue 101, Issue 102, Issue 103, Issue 104, Issue 104 again, Issue 105, Issue 106, Issue 107, Issue 108, Issue 110, Issue 110 again, Issue 111, Issue 112
Give kids opportunities to help
People around the world are helping those in need and taking action to end the conflict. Kids can make a difference too. We’ve identified four steps they can take with help from an adult: support a relief organization, write to an elected official, reach out to others with kind words, and display a poster for peace.
• Find more details in our article titled “Show your support for peace.”
• Download our poster template.
• See a selection of posters kids have made.
• Watch the media coverage of kids' posters for peace on Scripps News and PIX11 New York.
