Welcome to Ask Robyn

Hello and thank you for reaching out with your question. Children hearing about or seeing news regarding what is happening in the Middle East can experience fear or anxiety and may need extra support from parents and caregivers right now. Validating their feelings can help them feel relieved and give them a sense of safety, knowing they are not alone with these difficult emotions.

They may have questions about stories, images and conversations they see or hear. They may hear reports about children being forced from their homes, taking refuge in schools, or worrying about the safety of loved ones. These reports can be upsetting for children.

Start with what your child already knows

It can help to give your child the time and space they need to talk about what they know, ask questions and share their feelings. Reassure them that it is okay to feel scared or worried about what is happening, as many adults feel this way too.

Children sometimes build a different understanding of events than adults. You can offer realistic reassurance and gently explore any misunderstandings or misinformation so that they receive clear and accurate information.

Keep explanations simple and age appropriate

Over explaining or going into too much detail may increase worry and anxiety. Keeping explanations simple and appropriate for your child’s age can help.

At around 10 years of age, children are becoming more aware of global events and may understand that conflicts can be dangerous. While younger children may accept simple explanations such as sometimes countries disagree and fight, older children may need a little more context while still being protected from overwhelming details.

Gently correct misinformation

If your child has heard incorrect information, try to correct it in a calm and supportive way. It may help to talk about where they are hearing or seeing information, such as conversations at school, news on the radio during the school run, television, online videos or social media.

You can remind them that frightening images or inaccurate information can spread quickly and sometimes make situations seem even scarier than they are.

Focus on helpers and what is within your control

Let your child know that many adults, organisations and leaders are working to help people and find solutions. Focusing on helpers can help children feel safer and more hopeful.

It may also help to shift the conversation towards what is within your family’s control. Supporting one another when worries arise, using trusted sources for information, and taking small positive actions together can all help children feel less overwhelmed. Some families find it helpful to talk about ways to support people affected by conflict, such as donating to reputable charities that provide humanitarian aid.

Support is available

If your child would like another space to talk, you can share the Childline service with them. Childline is a free and confidential service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Young people in Ireland can contact Childline on 1800 66 66 66 or chat online through the live chat service at childline.ie.

You may also find helpful guidance here:

How to talk to your children about conflict and war unicef.org/mena/stories/here-how-talk-your-children-about-conflict-and-war.

Thank you again for reaching out. We hope the above is helpful. Take care,

Robyn