Child and family psychologist Svetlana Royz responded to the proposal of the Ministry of Education and Science, which today "mobilizes" specialists to combat children's fears in connection with the escalation of the situation in the Sea of Azov. She recalled that several years ago she wrote materials on how to talk with children about terrorism.
“But important actions and our reactions in the case of the introduction of martial law are unchanged. To a child, we can say: "Adults think and do everything possible to keep us safe." The emphasis in conversations with children is on safety. The basic need of any person is the need for security. Only by feeling safe, a child allows himself to explore the world, move away from his parents, grow up,”the psychologist emphasizes.
She calls to create internal stability in the family, since it is not possible to create it in the world, and also not to panic in front of children.
“Parents and loved ones can become a safe support in a child's life. It is important that in the external instability there is at least our internal stability. In any difficult event, the child tries to rely on us. It is important that we can deal with our anxiety and accommodate the child's tension,”says Roise.
The psychologist gives instructions on how to act after a curfew is introduced in the country and the basic and constitutional rights of millions of Ukrainians are limited: “Internal words and images:“I can handle it, I am an adult, I am the size from earth to sky, I am wide as an ocean - very large, - they can become helpers for you and for children."
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko signed a decree on the introduction of martial law until January 25, 2019. The Parliamentary Committee on National Security and Defense has recommended the MPs to approve this document.
