During times of crises, wars, and natural disasters, the situation in the country and individually within each family can be extremely tense.
Trying to protect their children, parents often isolate them from the actual situation, but the silent emotional background in the family cannot help but reflect on the child. They have prepared some practical recommendations for parents in the current national crisis.
Honesty. The inconsistency of what the parents broadcast to the child, about what he feels, creates anxiety in him and leads to neurotic symptoms. It is important for parents to choose the right words and symbolize what the family is going through.
Confidence. The child’s relationship with the outside world is based on what adults say about him – and all troubles are perceived by him, first of all, as a source of parents’ torment. Therefore, the dialogue with the child should take place from the position that the adult recognizes his anxiety in connection with external events, but does so with a focus on his strength, confidence and stability.
A father for a child, no matter what his age, is a guarantor of security and confidence in the future. Therefore, it is important for the child to understand that adults know and do everything necessary to ensure the safety of the family.
Sincerity. The father should explain that difficult experiences are natural now — adults may behave unusually restrained or emotional during this period, and this is not the child’s fault. And if he himself will feel strong emotions, then it is useful for him to share this with his family. Help the child find words for his feelings and show by your example how to do it.
Caution. Parents should provide information in accordance with the child’s age, without going into too much detail for the child. It is worth isolating children from disturbing television programs.
Stability. For a small child, the stability of the environment is now more important than ever — regime, warmth and harmony in the home, stable relations between parents. It will be useful for a teenager to be involved in social activities that he felt necessary.
Emotional stability of adults. Everyone remembers who was the first to put on an oxygen mask. No matter how difficult it is to keep calm, a father should take care of his psychological state first of all. And if necessary, do not neglect the help of specialists.
Psychological stability and a strong parental position are the key to a child’s healthy emotional well-being.
