68.5 million people around the world have been forced to flee their homes due to violent conflict. Since Russia’s invasion, more than 2.5 million Ukrainians have fled their country. You want to raise your kids to be caring, global citizens who are compassionate toward people in need. But how do you talk with your children about a subject as difficult as refugees?
A good first step is sorting through your own thoughts and feelings about what you’ve heard and seen happening involving refugees. You’ll want to ask yourself what is it that you want your child to know about what is happening.
Please listen to this story to help you sort your thoughts: https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2022/03/10/our-world-family-refugee-book
Reading a picture book with your kids is a great way to begin talking about refugees together.
Please find a list of other pictures books here:
https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/childrens-books-about-refugees/
For ages 8-13:
https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/books-about-refugees-for-ages-8-13/
And don’t underestimate the power of keeping things short and straightforward. You might say something as simple as, “People are fighting far away about who should be in charge. It is far away from us, but it is still a big deal.”
Have a lovely spring break, and if you wish, tell us how the conversation about refugees went: everyowlcounts@gmail.com