How to Help Children and Youth Navigate the Political Climate and Current World Conflicts

Introduction  

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) emphasizes the importance of talking to children about difficult topics, including politics and world conflicts. They recommend that parents, caregivers, and adults engage in age-appropriate conversations that can help children process their feelings, understand global events, and build resilience (AAP, 2016). 

Overall, these discussions can help children develop empathy and critical thinking, which are vital for navigating complex social issues in the future (AAP, 2016). In having these discussions, children and youth develop their own opinions and values, as well as have a safe space to address their concerns with a trusted adult. These discussions help support the child’s ability to grow their emotional intelligence by allowing a space for young individuals to recognize and regulate their emotions, while developing an awareness of and empathy toward the opinions and emotions of others. However, it is important to note that these conversations can invoke complex feelings that parents, caregivers, and trusted adults need to be aware of when starting these conversations. 

Parental Advice

• Create space to have age-appropriate discussions.

  • Example Questions:
    What do you know about ___?
    Why is ______ important to you?
    What do you think makes a good leader?

• Validate the child’s feelings, fears, and experiences.

• Prioritize age-appropriate transparency.

• Maintain routines (e.g., sleep, appetite, exercise, etc.).

• Depending on the age of the child, limit exposure to harmful media or conversations.

• Model calm, reflective, and positive behavior (e.g. calm tone of voice, taking deep breaths, etc.). 

• Encourage positive civic engagement (if age is applicable). 

               

Resources for Parents and Guardians

• Resources to Discuss Global Conflicts – San Mateo County Office of Education: 

This website highlights a model structured discussion on politics and world conflicts. Specifically, this resource leans towards having supportive discussions and educating children on war, politics, and violence. 

• Talking to Kids About Politics –  Kids Mental Health Foundation:

This website offers guidance on starting conversations about politics with children of different ages and includes a free downloadable PDF of conversation cards to help adults navigate these discussions.

• How to Talk to Children About Politics – PBS Kids for Parents:  

This resource provides adults with suggestions on how to navigate conversations about civic engagement, politics, media, and community and family values with children.

• From Storms to Politics: How to Talk to Kids About World Events – South Riding Pediatrics: 

This resource provides suggestions for discussing stressful topics with children, organized by age-appropriateness. 

Clinical Interventions

Along with utilizing the provided parental strategies, seeking support from a clinician can also be helpful for children and youth who are having difficulty with navigating the political climate and current global conflicts. If you’re interested in exploring parent and guardian support services such as Parent Management Training (PMT) and Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE), would like to schedule a consultation for yourself or your child, or inquire about individual treatment or evaluation, please reach out to Sunfield Center via phone at (734) 222-9277 or visit https://sunfieldcenter.com/contact-us/ to request an appointment.

References

Abrams, Z. (2022). Navigating thorny topics in therapy. Apa.org. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/03/career-navigating-therapy 

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2016). Talking to children about difficult news. Pediatrics, 138(5), e20163010. https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/138/5/e20163010 

How Politics Can Impact Your Kids, and How to Help – Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. (n.d.). Hopkinsallchildrens.childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org. https://hopkinsallchildrens.childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org/how-politics-can-impact-your-kids-and-how-to-help/ 

How to Talk to Children About Politics | Parenting Tips & Advice. (n.d.). PBS KIDS for Parents. https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/how-to-talk-to-children-about-politics 

How to Talk to Kids About Politics. (2019). Childrenscolorado.org. https://www.childrenscolorado.org/just-ask-childrens/articles/talking-to-kids-about-politics

Resources to Discuss Global Conflicts – San Mateo County Office of Education. (2019). San Mateo County Office of Education. https://www.smcoe.org/for-communities/resources-to-discuss-the-events-in-ukraine.html 

Talking to Kids About Politics. (2022). Kids Mental Health Foundation. https://www.kidsmentalhealthfoundation.org/mental-health-resources/starting-conversations/parenting-kids-politics