CHALLENGING CONVERSATIONS IN DIFFICULT TIMES
The news is filled with stories of families fleeing Ukraine, and your children may be asking challenging questions about these heartbreaking situations. These are hard conversations. As a parent, I want to protect my children from great sadness and information they may not be ready for, but I also want them to learn empathy, kindness, generosity, and compassion for those in need. It is also important to me that my children understand they have the power to make a difference, even though they are little. Children who learn they can make a difference become adults who change the world for the better. If you are looking to have some thoughtful conversations in simple, easy-to-understand ways, we have compiled some resources that can help you along.
– MiaLisa Millares, Executive Director
ACTION
If your family is interested in playing a part in supporting refugees, here are places to start.
Create a kit. Your family may want to help by doing something more tangible. One option might be to create kits for refugees or immigrants. Church World Service has instructions for assembling school kits, many of which are sent to children in refugee camps. Find details for this simple activity on our project page.
Advocate for your beliefs. Transforming new learning to hands-on action is a powerful way for children to make concrete connections. After learning about the most recent refugee crisis, show children how to find their legislators online. Write a letter together (young ones can add a drawing) encouraging legislators to welcome refugees.
Host a family fundraiser. Situations involving refugees and displaced individuals are dynamic and constantly changing. Sometimes donating cash helps provide the best resources for those in need. CharityWatch can help you find a credible relief organization. Other reputable organizations include UNICEF, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the International Rescue Committee. Consider hosting a family fundraiser to raise money for your cause – or share a portion of your family's charitable giving funds. Help make a difference together!
Be a friend. One of the most authentic and important experiences in offering help is building relationships. One volunteer opportunity is befriending a refugee family. This allows your families to get to know one another and learn from each other. You might be able to help with an airport welcome, getting people settled in a home, food, transportation, or simply helping the family by touring the town together. VolunteerMatch.org is one organization that provides a potential connection by entering your zip code and choosing the interest area "Immigrants and Refugees."
CONVERSATIONS – TIPS AND QUESTIONS
Take cues from your child about what they are ready to talk about and follow their lead.
Find more parenting advice in our DGT Blog Archives.
Kid's questions may come at inconvenient times when you can’t stop and focus. Make sure to create space to have a good conversation rather than trying to squeeze it into a rushed time frame.
Try your best to help your child feel safe and heard.
For a specific conversation around the Ukrainian situation
What have you heard?
What questions do you have?
What concerns do you have?
What do you need?
(After providing some options) What are ways you would like to help?
For a general conversation around refugees
Use the recent Disney movie Encanto to springboard a natural and profound conversation about displaced individuals.
Brainstorm many reasons (the push and pull) for immigrants to come to a different country or to emigrate from their homeland.
What are terms used to describe individuals who had to move away from their homeland? (Talk about immigrants, refugees, displaced people)
What would be exciting about moving to a new country?
What do you think would be challenging about moving to a new country?
How can we make immigrants in our community feel welcome?
READ
Choose a title from this growing list of picture books and chapter books about the refugee experience.
INSPIRATION
“Inside yourself, dig the well which would bring water to both your house and your neighbor’s."
——G. Skovoroda, famous poet