Violence in the world: why are there wars?

Children under 10 years of age do not have sufficient capacity to assimilate all the violence in the world, the wars and the tragedies that the news shows him and that he hears on the street. But it is true that we do not have to hide the reality. Parents have to explain that in the world there is suffering and help them to reflect, but without drama, with hope and optimism.

How children receive information about violence in the world

Children's reactions to situations of violence in the world vary according to age, temperament, family and personal circumstances.

Situations of great tension can produce in children aggressiveness, hypersensitivity, withdrawal, poor school performance, sleep disturbances, urinating day or night, stop playing etc. For these reasons, we must be very attentive to how our children receive and perceive the violence of the world.


Sometimes, due to different circumstances, violence in the form of bombings, bombings or wars can cause our children a feeling of anguish and distrust: fear of dying or a loved one dying, uncertainty, fear, hatred, revenge, despair. Unless we have our son protected in a glass bubble (which would be counterproductive), they find out what is happening in the world.

Sometimes it will be because he has listened to a friend, other times it will be because he has seen some images on television that, for us, were not so strong, but that he has been overwhelmed and impressed. Therefore, we must be very careful with the news and the news, and certain war movies and violent.


They also receive information through conversations we engage with our spouse or with our older children, or when they are engaged in "older" conversations.

Tips to deal with the issue of violence in the world

Explain to young children the violence in the world, why are there wars? Why are there attacks? Why do we kill each other? It's not an easy task for parents. Here are some tips:

- Your son seeks tranquility, but he is also capable of resisting adversity. Therefore, remember that the most important thing is to talk to him, listen to him, observe his feelings and transmit a sense of security, peace and optimism. If you see them anguished or pessimistic, you will transmit them the same.

- Before the violence of the world, we must counteract with positive values: like respect for life, equality, solidarity. Think with them the way in which the family can contribute its bit to avoid evil: sponsor a child, save money to help some family in need, deliver a new toy to children with fewer possibilities etc.


- Take into account children's games, conversations and drawings. This will allow us to know how they perceive and imagine the situation of violence in the current world. It is helping you to externalize your fears.

- Prevents you from receiving too much negative stimuli from television, Especially when you go to bed, it is not overprotective, it is helping you receive the information in your time and at your age.

Gisela Zapata Psychotherapist.
Advice: Carlos Goñi and Pilar Guembe, teacher and pedagogue, and authors of the book It's easy to be a parent!

More information in the book Freedom and tolerance in a plural society. The art of living. Author Alfonso Aguiló.

Video: War & Human Nature: Crash Course World History 204


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