Should we talk to kids about the war in the Ukraine?

If you are a parent, grandparent, teacher or Christian Leader you may have asked yourself this question: Should I talk to kids about the war in Ukraine? 
 
It can be challenging to know whether to talk about these things, and exactly what do you say or how much information do you give.
 
Our children are not the first generation of children to grow up with upsetting world events, and waging wars. To be honest, there are hard things in life outside of our control, and it’s important to navigate the questions and have a plan for discussion.

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”  ― Fred Rogers

Four Reasons to Talk to Kids About the War in Ukraine

1.  Control the information

One thing that has changed is how world events are so easily accessed through social media apps, and unfortunately there is an abundance of misinformation.  Because of this it is important for children to have correct, reliable information and it allows opportunities for kids to ask questions.

2.  To help children process the information and their emotions

It may seem like a good idea to avoid conversations about hard topics. The reality is that when you do encourage conversations, it gives you an opportunity to help children make sense of how they feel about what they hear.

You can observe where a child is by what they are saying (or not saying).

Conversations with children five and below

Children under five will have limited knowledge of what is happening in Ukraine.  Answer questions them may have, and don’t give more information than they need.  Keep your answers simple.

Conversations with school aged children

To find out where your child is at ask the question, “What have you heard about the war in the Ukraine?”  Let them answer, if they don’t know very much about it or not concerned then your conversation can be brief.

No matter how they feel you can share some factual information. For example, looking at a world map to see where the countries are at. Give them basic information about what is happening and why.

What you could say to start a conversation: “By the way have you heard anything about countries that are fighting?”  This allows you to understand how much have they heard.

Explaining war: “One country is being mean to another country and it makes people upset.”

Give them reassurance: Children may be afraid their parents may die or the war will be in their town.  Reassure them that they are safe and the war will not come here.

3.  Gives you the opportunity to discuss a difficult subject with your kids

At this time, we see and hear “Pray for Ukraine” everywhere.

• How do we do what this scripture says?
• How do we begin with children?

Most children want to pray, but don’t really know how to pray.  The Bible teaches us how to pray.  Our prayer life is more effective if we pray accordingly to the Bible. 

This is what I focus on when praying for Ukraine.

President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy – “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”  I Timothy 2:1-2 (ESV)

For the Families of Ukraine – “For He will order His angels to protect you wherever you go.” Psalm 91:11 (NLT)

For all of the Helpers (Pastors, Missionaries, the Military, Doctors, Nurses and other Helpers) – “I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.” Philippians 4:13 (GNT)

4.  Creates time to train kids how to pray

When training children how to pray at church, I made prayer cards for our president and our pastors.  The prayer cards are 8 1/2″ x 11″.  They have a picture of the President on one side and a specific prayer on the back side.  The prayer on the back allows the Teacher or Small Group Leader to lead the children in prayer.  It also creates consistency with each teacher and class.  I have used this method for years and it has worked.

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I want to make this Prayer Kit available to you. 

It includes a Handout to give your kids, an Infographic you can email to your church families, Slides you can use in your service and Prayer Cards you can use in your Small Groups.

These are all downloadable and free.