Talking To Your Kids About The Ukraine: NJ Doctor Has Tips

Hoboken NJ

07 April, 2022

4:47 PM

Description

NEW JERSEY — As the Russian invasion of the Ukraine moves into its second month, children may have seen images of war and gunfire, different from the kinds of stimuli they were exposed to during the pandemic. One adolescent psychiatrist based in Piscataway said that there are a number of ways parents can ease children's stress when talking about the strife. With the war playing out on both social media and TV, students "have a front-row seat to scenes of devastation, and heartbreaking images of casualties and desperate citizens, including children who may be their age," said Dr. Jeffrey Aronowitz, a child and adolescent psychiatrist with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield NJ. Aronowitz said their reactions may be different to this war than to other stressors. "Even if they aren't talking about it openly, they are likely upset or confused about the situation," he said, "and may be fearful that the war could even be headed to their neighborhood or home." Aronowitz gave these tips for parents: Urge Openness Encourage children to talk about their feelings, and take the time to actively listen and respond, with no distractions from work or electronic devices. "Open, honest,fact-based dialogue should help them better understand the situation and alleviate their fears," he said. Acknowledge And Address Their Concerns They may ask questions like "What is a war?" Aronowitz says, "Simple, straightforward answers to their questions work best; don't burden them with information overload. And be mindful that your discussion is age-appropriate ... Parents can sometimes go into too much detail. Remember that younger children, especially, can be overwhelmed by too much information." Help Them Help Others Several organizations are on the ground in Ukraine, or supplying much-needed aid from afar, and many focus on the needs of Ukrainian children. Consider making a donation on your child's behalf (or using some of their allowance money or piggybank savings, which can further their personal involvement). Also, to show your kids that philanthropy is important anytime and anywhere, you could also help your child collect clothes and toys to donate to children in need in your own community. Some verified charities to help the Ukraine that Horizon employees are supporting include the World Central Kitchen, Direct Relief, Doctors Without Borders and United Help Ukraine. Visit this Better Business Bureau website for tips on finding legitimate and impactful charities focused on Ukrainian relief. Seek Help If Needed For some children, like those whose own family members are soldiers on active duty somewhere, the crisis may be overwhelming. Don't hesitate to seek advice or treatment from your pediatrician or a mental health professional trained to serve children. "With early intervention and treatment, children can overcome anxiety, depression and other conditions that affect their mental health," said Dr. Aronowitz, who noted that tantrums, sudden decline in school performance, anxiety and depression are among the warning signs that indicate more help is needed. For more information about children and mental health, visit Horizon Behavioral Health. More information and tips about talking to kids about the Ukraine are here. READ MORE: What To Know As Russia Invades Ukraine Did you know? You can get a free daily newsletter each morning at 6 a.m. with local news in your New Jersey town, or get breaking news alerts: Sign up with your zip code here and you'll get an email asking for your preferences. Get a free morning newsletter with news in any New Jersey town: https://patch.com/subscribe