How to Talk to Kids About Peace, War, and the World Around Them
Children are more attuned to the world than we often realize. Even if they’re not watching the news, they pick up on tension in our voices, snippets of adult conversations, or the mood in the room. When big global events happen—like war or conflict—our instinct might be to protect kids by saying nothing. But silence can breed confusion and fear. Instead, it’s important to open gentle, age-appropriate conversations that center emotional safety, curiosity, and compassion.
Start with what they know. Young children don’t need complex geopolitical explanations—they need to feel safe, loved, and heard. For toddlers and preschoolers, keep it simple: “Sometimes people don’t agree. But just like we take deep breaths or use kind words, we hope they’ll find a way to work it out.” Elementary-aged kids may ask harder questions—about what war is, or why it happens. Let them lead the conversation with their questions, and answer honestly but calmly, avoiding graphic details. For tweens and teens, it’s okay to discuss difficult realities, but frame it with balance: here’s what’s happening, here’s what people are doing to help, and here’s how we can stay grounded.
Books and stories can be your best ally. Read together about peace, bravery, and kindness. Use characters they know and love to model peaceful solutions. Explain how people around the world have stood up for peace in different ways—like Martin Luther King Jr., Malala Yousafzai, or even a character like Moana who solves problems with heart, not fists. These stories give children language and imagery to process what they’re feeling.
If a child seems scared or unsettled, give them simple tools for self-soothing and reassurance. Try a “peace corner” with pillows, quiet books, or coloring pages. Teach them a grounding mantra: “I am safe. I am kind. I am brave.” Nannies can play a unique role here—listening without judgment, offering extra comfort, and creating space for play, which is how many kids process the world. You don’t have to have all the answers. You just have to be calm, consistent, and present.
Lastly, show them that even small people can make a big difference. Encourage peaceful actions they can take: drawing a picture for someone they love, picking up trash at the park, or writing a kind message to a neighbor. When the world feels heavy, remind them (and yourself) that peace starts at home—in small moments, safe conversations, and acts of care that ripple out further than we ever know.