A child's wellbeing and level of distress is linked to their caregiver's level of distress. Responding to the crisis in Ukraine, international organisations, including WHO, UNICEF and UNHCR, have put together evidence-based advice to support parents and caregivers in the current emergency.
The guidance is available in English, Ukrainian and Russian, and can be used by caregivers, as well as organisations or volunteers working with families affected by the war in Ukraine.
For easy reference, the content of the guidance can be found below.
PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS ARE HEROES: PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN IN A CRISIS
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF SO YOU CAN SUPPORT CHILDREN
- When the stress is too much, take a moment for yourself.
- Listen to your breath as it goes in and out.
- You can put a hand on your stomach and feel it rise and fall with each breath.
- Then just listen to your breath for a while.
Try this every day. You are amazing.
PRACTICAL WAYS TO HELP US COPE
- Even when it feels hard, try to have some daily routines for yourself.
- Routines help children feel safe. If you can, do daily routines like meals or schoolwork.
- Helping someone else can make you feel better too.
Our children learn calm and kindness from us.
HELP CHILDREN COPE WITH CRISIS
- Children may be scared, confused and angry. They need your support.
- Listen to children when they share how they are feeling.
- Accept how they feel and give them comfort.
Be honest, but try to stay positive. Every evening, praise children and yourself for something.
5 MINUTES OF POSITIVE TIME WITH YOUR CHILDREN
- Ask children what they would like to do.
- Listen to them, look at them.
- Give them your full attention.
Playing with and talking to children every day helps them feel secure.
COPING WITH STRESS, UPSET AND ANGER
- Find someone whom you can talk to about how you are feeling.
- Losing your temper? Give yourself a 10-second pause.
- Breathe in and out slowly five times. Then try to respond in a calmer way.
Be proud of yourself every time you try this.
SMALL THINGS HELP KEEP CHILDREN SAFE
- Make plans with children about practical ways to keep safe.
- Try to keep children with parents, family or friends you trust.
- Make a plan together for what to do if you are separated.
Planning with children helps them feel safer too.
BUILDING CHILDREN’S STRENGTH IN A CRISIS
- Ask children to help with family tasks.
- Praise children for trying or doing well.
- This will help them do good things again.
Praising children shows them that you notice and care.