From the Counselling Team

How to Talk to Kids about Ukraine
The College Counselling Team

How to Talk to Kids about Ukraine

Talking to our children about war and conflict can be a challenging and daunting task for many parents. Parenting experts advise that we should approach this situation with both honesty and reassurance and have suggested some guidance on how we can begin to have conversations regarding what’s currently happening in the Ukraine.

Create a safe space

Create a safe space that allows for listening. Ask them questions - what have they heard, where are they getting their information from? What questions do they have ? What worries do they have? It is important to be honest about the situation between Russia and Ukraine and let them know that you are worried too but that we can manage, and we will be OK. Reassure them that they will be safe and that what’s happening will not affect their day to day lives. Acknowledge any fears and worries that they may have and reassure them that they will be safe .

Limit the Exposure

Exposure to news coverage may include war scenes that can certainly contribute to anxiety for children and can be traumatic. Only keep news on the television for a short time, or choose to view news coverage at a time when your children are not around .

Keep it simple. Avoid detail

The amount and type of information you provide needs to be in accordance with the age and development of your child. For young children, keep the dialogue simple. State who is fighting who, and very basically, why. Avoid any political and divisive discussion as this may cause conflict and division when they go to school and discuss with others.

Provide hope for the Future

On a positive note its okay to mention that there are organizations that are providing aid relief and assistance to the people of Ukraine and that governments around the world in different countries are working together to stop the conflict and find peaceful solutions. If your child is worried about families in the Ukraine consider things you can do to help such as giving to charities that are providing aid or can your child be involved in any fund-raising activities in their local community. When kids are given an opportunity to assist others it gives them a feeling of agency which can be comforting .

Keep calm and provide reassurance

Remember that our kids will look to us about how we are feeling about the situation, so its important to remain calm in their presence and continue to provide ongoing reassurance and that everything will be okay for them and their family.

Mrs Judy Gill - College Counsellor/Psychologist

The College Counselling Team

The College Counselling Team are available to provide confidential emotional and social support and guidance for your son and family. For reference our College Counselling Team contact details are shown below.

Mr Rick Russo

Counsellor (Full time Monday to Friday) working with students across all year groups.

Email: rrusso@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au

Direct Phone: 9414 4359

School Mobile (in case of emergency): 0418 438 325

Mrs Joe McCarthy

Psychologist (5 days per fortnight: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Mondays on Day 6 of the cycle) working with students across all year groups.

Email: jmccarthy@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au

Direct Phone: 9414 4322

Mrs Judy Gill

Psychologist (5 days per fortnight: Wednesdays, Fridays and Mondays on Day 1 of the cycle) working with students across all year groups.

Email: jgill@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au

Direct Phone: 9414 4315

Throughout 2021 the Counselling Team, together with the Diverse Learning Team, look forward to providing CONFIDENTIAL support to assist your son to build his SELF CONFIDENCE / SELF ESTEEM AND RESILIENCE within a caring, supportive Catholic school community. Please do not hesitate to make contact with any of the above team should the need arise.

Mr Rick Russo - College Counsellor/Chaplaincy Services