Kids books for the crisis in Ukraine. A book collection I certainly didn't think I'd be sharing, but here we are.
Many of us have been so preoccupied with trying to process recent events ourselves that it hasn't even occurred to us to talk with our kids yet. Others don't know how to approach this incredibly difficult topic.
Though it's entirely up to you, it's my thought that sharing these events in an age appropriate way is important. As a therapist, it's very much been my consistent experience that you'd rather unsettling information like this come from you first (a place of comfort and safety) rather than in the form of scary half truths from other kids or adults at school.
I share books because they're a gift to me and a deep love of mine. In my years as a therapist, I've seen books help bring empathy, understanding, and comfort to so many children.
These books don't take the place of sharing the actual events taking place in Ukraine with your child--those books aren't written yet, but I feel sure they will be one day. But they may help ease you and your child into talking about this difficult topic, open the door for questions, and help you both find encouragement. I've included:
- 4 books about helping kids process difficult news.
- 2 books about refugees.
- 2 books about anxiety.
- 1 comforting book about things that do not change.
I sincerely hope these books are helpful to you during this incredibly difficult time. My constant prayers are with the brave people of Ukraine. It feels like there's so little we can do, but teaching our kids to recognize mistreatment of others and to care when others are hurting is something we can all do. This is a chance to show our kids how to support others, even when they're far away.
*Look up a pdf version of these books before ordering. You be the one to decide if they're right and age appropriate for your family.
