October 24, 2023

Quote of the Week

"We do not need guns and bombs to bring peace, we need love and compassion." -- Mother Teresa

How To Talk With Kids About The War In Gaza And Israel

"Parents and families across the world have been distressed by the war in Gaza and Israel. Those who are there (or who are connected to the people of the region) may grieve for loved ones who have been killed or fear harm and devastation. Parents everywhere struggle to understand what’s happening and how to feel about it, and to talk with our kids about the images as well as the absence of humanity and compassion they see in the news and on social media.

In previous global conflicts, Greater Good turned to two researchers to gain insights about how to talk with kids about humanitarian crises. Abigail Gewirtz is a professor of psychology at Arizona State University; Shauna Tominey is a professor of human development and family sciences at Oregon State University. Here are six tips adapted from two Greater Good articles about their work."  [Read Article]"

Reading Corner

Title: Peace
By: Wendy Anderson Halperin
Ages: 4-8

Listen to this week's book!

"Radiating tenderness and reflecting the influence of eastern philosophies, a compilation of exquisite illustrations and wisely chosen words reveals the heart of where peace truly must originate: within ourselves. The beautifully intricate artwork, with tiny, precisely rendered details of life across the globe, complements the spare and powerful text that includes quotations from famous peacemakers. And with each reading, you'll find something else to notice--such as the visual storylines that subtly play out across the pages. Poetic and soothing, Peace is a masterful exploration of the true path to world peace and serves as a perfect springboard to discussions about bullying, conflict resolution, and right actions." -- Publisher

Be the Change

When our children feel anger, sadness, or other intense emotions, we might be inclined to distract or redirect them away from their discomfort. But this isn’t always the best strategy. Research suggests that a key part of developing secure and loving relationships is spending time with your children to support their experiences with their emotions.

Practice these three steps to help create a loving space for your children and strengthen your bond, when they process any difficult emotions this week.