A child’s understanding of war, and why it happens, begins and ends with their parents. But as a parent, knowing the right thing to say is not always easy.
Should we be shielding our children from the endless stream of news bulletins and distressing images coming out of warzones like Gaza or Ukraine? Or should we just explain, as best we can, what is unfolding in these countries?
And how do we cope with the worries children, or teenagers, may have about what they’ve seen or heard in the classroom or on social media?
As part of her parenting series for The Irish Times, columnist Jen Hogan has been investigating how we should talk to our children about difficult subjects like death or separation. And, in light of the horror unfolding in the Middle East, she is now examining how we can help our children process the enormity and brutality of war.
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On today’s podcast, presenter Sorcha Pollak speaks to Jen Hogan about how to approach difficult conversations about war and death with children and teenagers. With input from early childhood and parenting expert Dr Mary O’Kane.
Presented by Sorcha Pollak. Produced by Suzanne Brennan.
