Supporting our children through national trauma: A guide for Israeli parents

In the shadows of one of our darkest days, Israeli families face the heart-wrenching task of helping our children process unthinkable news. Today, as we receive our hostages in coffins rather than embraces, parents across the country must find strength to guide our little ones through waves of national grief while managing our own profound sorrow.

Our children, whether in gan or high school, are part of our collective mourning. They hear whispers in hallways, see tears in teachers' eyes, and feel the heavy silence that has fallen over our usually vibrant communities. As parents, we must now be their anchors in this storm of emotion.

Understanding Their World Right Now

Our children are experiencing this tragedy in real-time, through playground conversations, WhatsApp messages, and fragments of adult discussions. Each age group processes differently - our youngest may show confusion through behavior changes, while our teenagers might grapple with deeper questions about humanity and justice.

Immediate Steps for Parents

Create Safe Spaces for Expression

- Welcome all emotions without judgment

- Listen more than you speak

- Share appropriate feelings of your own

- Make time for one-on-one conversations

Maintain Daily Structure

- Keep regular mealtimes and bedtime routines

- Continue familiar activities when possible

- Add extra comfort moments throughout the day

- Create predictability in an unpredictable time

Monitor Media Exposure

- Shield younger children from graphic news

- Watch news together with older children

- Discuss and contextualize information

- Take regular breaks from media coverage

Address Security Concerns

- Review family safety procedures calmly

- Remind them of the protectors in their lives

- Discuss concrete safety measures at home and school

- Validate concerns while providing reassurance

Provide Physical Comfort

- Increase family time and physical presence

- Engage in calming activities together

- Spend time outdoors when possible

- Practice simple relaxation techniques

Warning Signs to Watch For

Monitor changes in:

- Sleep patterns

- Eating habits

- Social interactions

- Physical complaints

- Academic performance

- Emotional regulation

Supporting Different Age Groups

Young Children (Ages 3-6)

- Keep explanations simple and brief

- Use play to process emotions

- Maintain consistent routines

- Offer extra physical comfort

School-Age Children (Ages 7-12)

- Answer questions honestly but age-appropriately

- Help identify and name feelings

- Encourage expression through art or writing

- Provide opportunities for physical activity

Teenagers (Ages 13+)

- Engage in deeper discussions

- Respect their need for peer support

- Allow space for independent processing

- Include them in family decisions

Parents are invited to contact school staff or the ministry’s hotline, *6312, for additional support and information, as reported by The Times of Israel.

As we navigate these dark waters together, remember that our children look to us not for perfection, but for presence. In the face of national tragedy, our role is to be their safe harbor - steady, available, and honest. Today, we carry the weight of both grief and responsibility, but we do not carry it alone. Our strength as parents lies not in having all the answers, but in showing our children that even in our deepest sorrow, we face tomorrow together.

May we find the strength to guide our children through this valley of shadows, and may we all know brighter days ahead.