Israeli group publishes 'dictionary' to assist parents talk to their kids about war

A “dictionary” to assist parents and caregivers in having discussions with children about the conflict has been published, according to Goshen, an Israeli organization that promotes neighborhood child health and well-being. Tirtsa Joels, a psychology professor at the University of Haifa, has verified the handbook, which is suitable for use with preschool-aged children up to elementary school age. It is not recommended for usage with kids who have gone through significant, complicated trauma as a result of the war. Goshen reassures parents in the resource’s introduction that there is no appropriate age to start having conversations with kids about the conflict. Adults must, however, speak in an age-appropriate manner. Asking the youngster what they already know, have heard, and if they have any questions is the greatest way to begin a conversation. Other recommendations are made, emphasizing the importance of comforting the child and telling them the truth in a way that is appropriate for their age and developmental stage. The dictionary provides definitions for 14 terms associated with war, categorized as basic, intermediate, advanced, and expert. After reading through them, the adult can select the ones that are most suitable to bring up in a conversation with their child. A few phrases like rockets, sirens, and safe rooms are well-known to the majority of young Israeli kids. Some words, though, are not as much. These include invasions, terrorist attacks, kidnappings, hostages, missing people, Tzav 8 (the call-up of the military reserve for emergencies), fatalities, burials, and shiva (the week of mourning following a burial).