In light of current events, the PS Centre has produced a one-page guide for parents and caregivers: How do you talk to children about war?

The guide can be used by parents and caregivers with children directly affected by conflict and for children who may have friends in conflict settings, it can be used as a guide to help parents support and care for their children who may be struggling to find explanations after watching disturbing images on tv or on social media, it can be used by Red Cross Red Crescent volunteers providing support to conflict affected families and children, and by staff and volunteers manning hotlines and helplines – who may be receiving calls for advice and assistance from anxious adults and children.

“Being directly affected by armed conflict, or witnessing conflict from a distance, can give rise to emotions such as fear, anxiety, disillusionment and anger in both adults and children. We hope these messages will help you, as a parent/ caregiver to continue to support and care for your children as you accompany them through stressful periods.”

– Technical Advisor Sarah Harrison

The guide How do you talk to children about war? Is the fourth infographic format guide giving concrete advice to Red Cross Red Crescent staff and volunteers working in humanitarian crisis contexts. The first three guides where Common reactions to distressing situations and extreme stress, Setting up Psychosocial Support after a crisis event and Talking and writing about mental health and psychosocial support in emergencies.

Find more resource about Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in the PS Centre Resource Library.