The news has been consumed with the devastation from the Israel-Hamas War that broke out just one week ago. As parents, we hope to preserve the time when our children believe in mythical creatures instead of being aware that people who want to hurt others exist. It can feel overwhelming as a parent to know how to navigate our own feelings around the war, let alone know how to shield or inform our own children about what is happening.
More from Mom.com: How to Talk to Kids About Tragedy
Be proactive, but let them take the lead
Navigating your response
Remember to pay attention to how you are feeling and whether you have an outlet for processing your own emotions. Children can sense our stress, so caring for yourself is by proxy taking care of them. It is normal and healthy to limit exposure to media and increase self-care individually and as a family during stressful times. It is also OK not to have all the answers, as you can still support your child by creating a sense of safety and open dialogue.
