While young children may be too young to understand what exactly a war is, what’s at stake and why people are taking up arms to defend their country, they do see the consequences of the armed conflict. Graphic images of destruction and devastation with people and children running and some in really depressing situations can trigger a child to ask questions.
What with the proliferation of media devices in their hands, try as you might to control their media consumption, young children may still get an accidental glimpse of this unfortunate situation.
The question is, how can you as a parent or teacher discuss this complicated subject matter when young children ask about it.
Dr. Deborah Gilboa advises not to bring up the subject of war to children younger than unless your family will be directly affected by the situation or the child asks.
She also advises it is generally better for young children to hear it first from their parents instead of from other external sources as children tend to hide unpleasant things they hear from their parents.
If, however, young children get wind of the war that is going on between Ukraine and Russia, it’s best to ask them what they have heard, what they feel about it, and in a way de-escalate the scary situation.
Just like discussing the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important to bring it down to their level.
To help you discuss the grim concept of war in Ukraine, here are 3 strategies you can use.

Use pop culture.

Kid-oriented movies and cartoons that depict war but not in its gory nature, can help children process the concept of war without it being diminished or exaggerated.
War-themed movies or cartoons like Disney’s Mulan can help a child see war portrayed in an age-appropriate way without making it seem war is a good thing.
In case they are exposed to the harsh realities of war, or it may impact them directly with a family member going away to support the cause of war, let the child know that on a general basis, most people come back safe from war.
As always, reiterate to the child that the adults are doing the best they can to stop the war and that like most adults, they are opening communication lines to settle their disagreements in a peaceful way.

Redirect their attention to the bright spots and exercise of humanity overall.

As Mr. Rogers pointed out, look for the helpers. As young children may think war is at their doorstep, redirect their attention to those who do what they can to help people fleeing the war.
If possible, ask him/her what they can contribute to help fellow kids who are affected by the war.
This helps calm down their anxieties and also teaches them the value of helping whenever there are crises in faraway lands.

Do activities that will help deal with their fear and anxiety.

If the child is affected by the thought of the conflict, help the child redirect their thoughts into more meaningful, positive actions. Offer a prayer, light a candle, or even donate their old toys to help their fellow kids who are directly affected by the war. This gives children the idea that even if the war is far away, with adults fixing it, they can also do their part in helping to fix it.
Children will also be able to better manage their fear or anxiety by drawing it or creating artwork about peace and resolving the conflict.

These strategies can help you explain the ongoing war while also shielding them from the harsh realities that might traumatize them. Avoiding labeling sides as good and bad will also help in lessening their confusion while redirecting their attention to the positive news that arises of crises like this will give your child a better and positive mindset.