How To Support Children During the Current Unrest In The Middle East
As a licensed play therapist, experienced school counsellor and supervisor, I have been reflecting on how the current unrest in the Middle East is impacting children, even those who may seem geographically distant from it.
With the rapidly unfolding conflict involving Iran and escalating tensions across the region, children are being exposed to distressing conversations, images, and strong emotions primarily at home and online. As this has just happened and many children are not in school, much of what they are absorbing is coming from adult discussions, news coverage, and social media. Even when we think they are not listening, they are taking in far more than we realise.
Here are some practical ways parents can support children during times of global unrest:
1. Start with safety and reassurance
Children need to know they are safe. Offer calm, simple reassurance and avoid overwhelming them with adult-level detail.
2. Invite questions and listen more than you speak
Ask open-ended questions like, “What have you heard?” or “How are you feeling about it?” Follow their lead and gently correct misinformation.
3. Limit exposure to media
Repeated images and commentary can heighten anxiety. Be mindful of news playing in the background and access to social media.
4. Name and normalise emotions
Fear, confusion, anger, sadness – all are valid. When adults calmly name emotions, children learn that feelings can be managed.
5. Maintain routines at home
Predictability builds security. Keeping daily rhythms as consistent as possible helps children feel grounded.
6. Offer creative expression
Play, drawing, storytelling, and movement allow children to process complex feelings safely. Often, play says what words cannot.
7. Model calm and compassion
Children watch how adults respond. Demonstrating empathy, balanced thinking, and respectful dialogue teaches emotional regulation and critical thinking.
Children do not need us to have all the answers. They need us to be regulated, present, and willing to sit with their feelings.
In times of uncertainty, connection is the intervention.
Over the coming days, I will also be sharing further guidance specifically for school counsellors on how to support the students in their care when schools reopen.
(Picture Credit: https://pixabay.com/users/johnhain-352999/ )
