Many children today are growing up under the influence of hostilities in one way or another. Due to psychological trauma, children’s development slows down. Eventually, the family decides to move the child to a safe zone. Refugees leave the area of shelling. But adapting children to a relatively peaceful life is not easy. Reaction to loud noises, poor sleep… Preparation for the move is also necessary. It is important to let the child know that they will be leaving the familiar home. Take their favourite toys. Children’s emotions can be unpredictable. You need to be ready for this. Breathing exercises and fairy tale therapy can help relieve stress after being under shelling. The child should be taught to live in peace.

How do you talk to a child about their worries? What activities can be created for children to help them “move on” from the trauma? Natalia Kharitonova, a psychologist and methodologist, talked about this

  • The child came from a combat area. How should they spend the first few days so that they can “move on” from what they have experienced?

    First of all, you need to give the child a moment of peace. Don’t impose your hyper-protection, but also don’t encourage the child to fully accelerate in their desires. Our task is to organise a safe space for the child, both emotionally and physically. To create peace, quiet and a safe household. Involve the child in school activities and clubs. Organise the daily routine.

  • A child reacts to loud noises. How can you teach them to be calm about it?

    Loud noises that we react to are called triggers. It can be crying, screaming or something else. There was a case when, in a safe area, children would crawl under the table just from the sound of a microphone. It is worth explaining that this reaction is normal and natural, that our brain is trying to save us. And it takes time for this reaction to stop happening again. The child needs to be assured that the environment is safe: there are people who will help, there is a place where they will be supported. It is important to keep an eye on children. They may freeze or react emotionally. Even a slight shudder of a child in transport because of a stone is the first sign of traumatic stress. In this case, it is advisable to consult a specialist.

  • What techniques can be used to help a child get used to living in peace?

    The easiest way to get a child out of stress is through a game. Breathing is a good way to stabilise a person’s state. You need to teach children to take a long breath in and out. For example, by blowing a dandelion in the spring. It is also worth adding physical activity: gymnastics, cycling. 

    Another technique is based on sensations. When a child is eating, direct their attention to the taste, aroma, and colour of the food. In other words, we can use the child’s entire environment to help them recover faster. The main task is to do this regularly. 

    It is important to teach your child to differentiate emotions: it is normal to be afraid, it is normal to be happy. Specialists also use fairy tale therapy and work in the sand.