It is necessary to talk to children about what is happening in Ukraine now. But before starting a dialogue on the war, adults themselves should work on their anxiety, and assess the situation around them. When talking to a child, tell him the truth, but choose the right words and constructions that the child can understand. It all depends on his age.

The role of parents is to prepare the child for the fact that there may be no light, but at the same time explain that we have a flashlight and a power bank, for example. That is, we talk about limitations, and then we talk about a possible way out of the situation.

Also, parents should focus the child's attention, not on a possibly stressful situation, but on his competence: agree with the child that he should be responsible, for example, for charging the power bank and the flashlight.

Regarding the sounds of air raid sirens, which also harm the psyche of children and cause excessive stress and anxiety, adults should explain to the child that the air raid is not a threat, but a warning that we must go to a safe place. It is also important to explain to children that a shelter is a safe place, explain why we go there, and explain that we are protected by the military. And in such circumstances, it is also important to give the child responsibility, for example, for the water that we take with us to the shelter or the power bank, etc.

Is it worth warning a child about something that may not happen?

Psychologists of our camp recommend telling a child about a possible terrible event only when you are 100% sure that this event will happen.

For example, if you are at work and read the news about the danger, and the child is not with you at this time, you can simply ask him not to leave the house soon. Or ask him to check the alarm suitcase. That is, to warn natively, so as not to frighten.