Parents are
critical figures in children's lives. They explain things to children, answer their questions,
and help to teach them what is important. Some topics are difficult to
deal with, though. War and peace are two of those difficult topics. Part
of the difficulty is that parents need to deal with their own questions
and feelings about wars and conflicts as well as their children’s.
And most parents do not have the benefit of having talked with their own
parents talking about these issues. 9 yr. old girl,
drawing of peace
United States-2002
An
important first step is for parents to understand their own attitudes
and reactions to political violence. Then they can help children with
their reactions. This section of Purple Wagon contains articles about
parents’ attitudes about war and peace, and also ideas and information
about how to talk to children about these issues.
• Activities and additional resources This category includes
reports about the parents’ role in talking with children about war and
peace. There are also fact sheets that provide guidelines for talking with
children about difficult issues. It also includes additional readings for parents
and materials that parents
can use with children.
Parents are
critical figures in children's lives. They explain things to children, answer their questions,
and help to teach them what is important. Some topics are difficult to
deal with, though. War and peace are two of those difficult topics. Part
of the difficulty is that parents need to deal with their own questions
and feelings about wars and conflicts as well as their children’s.
And most parents do not have the benefit of having talked with their own
parents talking about these issues.
