How to Talk to Children About Afghanistan
My heart had already been in a place of despair these past couple of weeks as I’ve been thinking about the world collapsing. And then I heard news of what is happening in Afghanistan. My heart breaks for the people of Afghanistan. I’ve been thinking a lot about how to talk to elementary aged children about what’s happening in Afghanistan.
I’m in this very complicated place of wanting to raise children who have empathy for others and are committed to fighting for justice. And yet I also want them to enjoy their childhoods before the world truly collapses around them. My children are 10 and 8.
I decided to download this book from the public library. Malala was raised in Pakistan, but she experienced the impacts of living under the Taliban regime. She talks in great detail about her desire for an education. She talks about the injustice she faced. Also, she talks about what it’s like to be an Internally Displaced Person (IDP). And she talks about how to have courage in the face of oppression.
So far, the book seems to be written at the right level for my 8 and 10 year-olds. It talks honestly about what’s going on without inducing complete terror.
How have you been approaching how to talk to elementary children about what’s happening Afghanistan?
One Comment
Heather
I appreciate the book suggestion. Did you ever finish it with your sons? My son will be 10 in December. I’m curious if you found it age appropriate for your kids. I’m in the same boat–want to give my son a broader view of the world, but also want to protect his childhood. At this point I’ve already shared with him what is happening in Afghanistan. Sharing a personal story about the extreme oppression some people face would be helpful I think.