In a world full of news about global unrest, trouble spots, violent situations and destabilization triggered by the Corona crisis, the war in Ukraine or other suffering and situations, many parents are wondering how they can best convey these complex topics to their children. It is important to proceed in an age-appropriate and sensitive manner so as not to overwhelm the little ones and at the same time leave room for questions and fears.

In this article, we'll look at how best to talk about these difficult topics with different age groups - from toddlers and preschoolers to school-aged children to teenagers - and how children and adults can learn to deal with them.

What children notice

Today, children learn a lot about the world around them from a very early age, whether through conversations, television or social media. It is important to be aware that they have already received information about difficult topics and may develop fears or worries. By being open to their questions as parents or caregivers and providing honest, age-appropriate answers, we can help them feel safe and well-informed.

How children deal with difficult topics

Children process information and feelings differently. Some want to know more and ask a lot of questions, others withdraw or seem scared. It is important to respond to and listen to children's individual needs. If they are afraid, offer comfort and reassurance. If they have questions, answer them as honestly as possible. It can also be helpful to do creative or sporting activities together to reduce stress and distract your thoughts from stressful topics.


Toddlers and preschool children

For toddlers and preschool children, it is important to use simple and clear explanations . At this age, children are already aware of their surroundings and can be unsettled when they hear about wars, attacks or natural disasters. It is important to emphasize that they are safe and that adults are doing everything they can to protect them. Examples from fairy tales or children's books can help to illustrate and discuss the topic in a playful way.

school children

With school children you can go into a little more detail. As they are exposed to information at school and from their peers, it is important to be open to their questions and provide honest answers. Try to focus on facts and explain that there are people trying to solve problems and create peace. It is also helpful to encourage students to express their feelings and share their opinions to facilitate healthy discussion and better understanding of the topics.

teenager

Young people tend to be well-informed and may already have strong opinions on various topics. It is important to be respectful and open to their views and give them space for discussion. Explain to them that there are different perspectives and encourage them to use different sources to get a more complete picture of the situation. Engaging with news and discussions about political and social issues together can help promote understanding of the world and develop the ability to engage critically.


How adults should deal with it

Dealing with topics such as terror, war, suffering and crises can also be difficult for adults. It is important to inform yourself well and to find a balance between dealing with the issues and your own self-care. It is equally important to build a trusting relationship with the children and to listen to their worries and fears. By modeling an informed, empathetic, and solution-oriented approach to difficult topics, you can help your children develop their own resilience.

Conclusion: In a world full of difficult topics, it is important that we teach our children how to deal with them. By responding to their questions and concerns in a sensitive and age-appropriate manner and giving them space for discussion and exchange of opinions, we help them develop a better understanding of the world and strengthen their own abilities to overcome challenges. Ultimately, our job as parents and guardians is to help them navigate a complex world and grow into confident, informed, and compassionate adults.

Are you looking for advice?

There are different contact points in Germany, Austria and Switzerland for various concerns and crises.

In Germany

In Austria

In Switzerland

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1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )