How to curb the stress and explain to the child the war is going: the psychologist told what to do to parents (video)
The head of the children's correction direction of the Mental Help Charitable Foundation 365 Dmitry Vakulenko told this. According to him, sometimes even basic consultation can prevent serious psychological problems of a child or a teenager in the future, who will have to fight for years. It is the psychologist who will clearly answer where the child behaves normally, even if you do not think so, and where you really need to work with a specialist.
It is at the consultation that you can determine the direction of the desired specialist: a neuropsychologist, psychologist or psychiatrist. "Our charity has been dealing with parents' consultation for a year and a half," says Dmitry Vakulenko. "We provide free consultation, diagnosis and correction of children's behavior. " Many parents have the question of how to explain the child that there is a war in the country, says Dmitry.
The child of preschool age should be explained in extremely simple words: people from Russia want to hurt us to rule us, but without spooky details. If the child does not understand the term "reign", then it can be explained by the example of toys, when one child takes it by the power of another, gives an example a psychologist. Children of school age should be given a more detailed answer, but it is also not necessary to clearly paint all the horrors of war.
But with teenagers it is already necessary to have an adult conversation and be sure to explain the cause and effect chain of Russian aggression. They are already smart enough to understand it, says the expert. Parents, like children, also experience stress and it is quite normal, because any fears should be worried, not tabooed, according to a psychologist. If a person does not bother, especially during the war, it is not the norm.
To worry is a normal reaction, but to worry and harm yourself, not to perform basic functions, not to care for children, not to leave the house - then the problem and it should be disassembled with a specialist. "If you see that they are completely confused and you cannot give yourself advice, then it makes sense to contact an adult specialist," emphasizes Dmitry Vakulenko.
"But do not forget about the basic things that will help you and support you: healthy sleep, healthy food and physical activity ". And in terms of physical activity, the expert involves not only sports, but even elementary walks or a change of route, when a person chooses a couple or three stokes on foot instead of going in public transport. Any physical activity you choose should not harm your physical health, the psychologist emphasizes.