Parents can be challenged when talking to kids about the war and its images
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. - In recent days there have been countless images about the war in Ukraine, and many rallies on our Central Coast Streets. Explaining this to children, however, can be challenging.
A young Ukranian living here now, remembers her first experience with war about ten years ago, and has some advice.
Dasha Lobko was at a recent rally and said, "and I can tell from my personal experience, that talking with out kids even kids living here in the United States about the war about what is good what is evil what is kindness."
A psychologist says depending on the age you should be clear and honest and work through the emotions together.
"But do not shut it down and have pat answers, or (say) it can happen somewhere else or it will never happen here, because don't know" said psychologist Oxsana Yakushko.
Some practical advice for parents is finding out where your children are getting information about the war, and find out how they feel about what they are reading and seeing.
In recent days there have been many rallies, and in some cases parents are bringing their children.
Speaking to one of them, Supervisor Das Williams said he has a three year old daughter with a friend from Kiev who is staying here and not returning to his country at this time. "And she goes 'why hasn't he left'? 'Why is he staying?' and she is happy about it, but she needs to know why and her reaction was, ' I need someone to save those people' which I thought was very powerful," said Williams.
For those who find relief by helping others in a crisis, this can be a call to action.
"Maybe children can gather toys for Ukranian children, it is like some action to support people , it gives people some chance of feeling like they have an impact," said Yakushko.
