How to Talk to Your Children About War

Hello my friends!

These days, I find myself feeling especially anxious about the tense international situation, particularly with the ongoing war in the Middle East. My heart feels heavy thinking about all the people who are suffering, and I can’t help but worry about the possibility of things escalating globally—and how that might impact our lives.

Being a mom of three little ones doesn’t exactly ease my anxiety; if anything, it amplifies it.

My oldest has already picked up on my mood shifts, and he’s also been hearing about the war at school. Naturally, the questions have started coming.

So in today’s post, I want to talk about how we, as parents, can approach these difficult conversations with our children—with honesty, care, and calm.

Let’s be real—talking to our kids about war is one of those parenting moments we wish we could skip. It’s heavy, it’s scary, and it’s hard to know where to even begin. But in a world where news travels fast and little ears are always listening, it’s more important than ever to help our children make sense of what they’re hearing.

Here’s some tips on how to approach the conversation with honesty, empathy, and a whole lot of heart.

1. Start Where They Are

Before diving into explanations, ask your child what they’ve heard. You might be surprised by how much (or how little) they know. This gives you a chance to correct any misinformation and tailor the conversation to their age and emotional maturity.

🗣️ Try this:"Have you heard anything about what's happening in the world lately?"

2. Keep It Simple, But Honest

You don’t need to go into graphic detail. Use age-appropriate language and focus on the basics: that sometimes countries or groups of people have serious disagreements, and unfortunately, those disagreements can lead to fighting.

💡 For younger kids:"Sometimes people don’t get along, and they fight. Grown-ups are working hard to help them stop."

💬 For older kids:"War happens when countries can’t resolve their problems peacefully. It’s very serious, and it affects a lot of people."

3. Validate Their Feelings

Kids might feel scared, confused, or even guilty for not understanding. Let them know it’s okay to feel whatever they’re feeling. Your job isn’t to have all the answers—it’s to be a safe space.

❤️ Say this:"It’s okay to feel worried. I feel that way sometimes too. We can talk about it whenever you need."

4. Focus on the Helpers

In every crisis, there are people doing good—doctors, aid workers, peacekeepers, and everyday folks helping others. Highlighting these stories can give your child hope and a sense of security.

🌟 Share stories of kindness and bravery. Let them see the light in the darkness.

5. Limit Media Exposure

Even if you’re trying to stay informed, constant news coverage can be overwhelming for kids. Be mindful of what’s playing in the background and consider watching or reading news when they’re not around.

📺 Pro tip:Turn off autoplay on YouTube or news apps to avoid unexpected content.

6. Empower Them to Act

Feeling helpless is tough—even for adults. Encourage your child to draw pictures, write letters, or participate in a fundraiser. Taking action, even in small ways, helps them feel like they’re making a difference.

🖍️ "Would you like to make a card for a child who might be scared right now?"

7. Keep the Conversation Going

This isn’t a one-and-done talk. Check in regularly. As your child grows, their questions and understanding will evolve. Be there to guide them through it.

Talking about war with your child isn’t easy—but it’s one of the most important conversations you can have. With love, honesty, and a little preparation, you can help them navigate a complicated world with compassion and courage.

You’ve got this, mama. 💪💕

Take care, Katerina