War Time Mental Health: How To Support Young Children - A Guide by Kinder Ready Elizabeth Fraley
War Time Mental Health: How To Support Young Children - A Guide by Kinder Ready Elizabeth Fraley
In this blog, Kinder Ready Elizabeth Fraley discusses how war affects the mental health of children, often causing irreversible damage. Through her work, Elizabeth Fraley continues to guide parents and educators on how war time affects the child’s ability to grow and connect.
When it comes to wartimes, destruction of buildings and loss of lives dominate the scene. However, something just as urgent and devastating is the not-so-visible wounds on the minds of young children. Mental health is a rising issue everywhere but during war time, this rises tenfold - be it emotional development or behavioural issues.
The Hidden Toll of War on Young Minds
Experts agree that between the ages of 2 to 7, children are undergoing crucial brain development. During this time, whatever the witness, has a profound impact on their ability to respond to stimuli around them. In case of war, everything from displacement and loss of loved ones to the sounds of the sirens or the strikes contribute heavily to a stressful and toxic environment.
While war time is horrendous for everyone, children suffer greatly because unlike adults, they do not have words to express what they are feeling. The unpredictable nature of war causes their brains to always be on high alert, resulting in behavior issues, delayed language acquisition or emotional development.
Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready emphasizes that without the right support, overcoming these hurdles can take years.
Emotional Safety as a Foundation
Even in times of war, parents of young children can adopt some strategies to minimize the harm of the grotesque war. Having a routine, or rather, the best version of a routine, can act like an anchor for the children. Sticking to activities like bedtime stories or involving them in preparing dinner gives them a sense of control that otherwise they yearn for.
Validating the children’s feelings is just as important. Instead of gaslighting them or shutting them out, thinking you are doing them a favor, say things like “I know this is scary” or “what are you feeling?” can do wonders. For emotional regulation, simple activities like drawing or coloring can be used that soothe the nerves and are calming during disastrous times.
Role of Parents and Caregivers
Children mimic the adults around them. Despite whatever you are feeling, it is your job as a parent not to look visibly distressed or angry, though it is understandable. This is why Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready believes that mental health of adults is tied to that of children. For this purpose a dual approach is required - one that equips adults with coping strategies while guiding the children through the troubled times.
At Kinder Ready Tutoring, educators are encouraged to practice such strategies, especially with children going through a distressing time period. Displaced children in refugee camps or taking a shelter with loved ones need extra attention and effort. Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready suggests practices like singing songs from back home, or engaging in active conversations to overcome this hurdle.
Conclusion
War time is troubling for everyone,be it young or adult. While adults have coping mechanisms they can adopt, children are often at a loss of what to say or do. Instead, this manifests in mental health problems and behavioural issues.
Kinder Ready Elizabeth Fraley believes that protecting the mental health of children during war time is extremely important and can not be overlooked. Using simple strategies like having a routine or validating their feelings, parents can not only offer solace to their children going through something as horrible as war, but also minimize its impact on cognitive and emotional development.
For further details on Kinder Ready's programs, visit their website: https://www.kinderready.com/.
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ElizabethFraleyKinderReady
