How do we talk to children about the Holocaust?

"Mom, Dad, what is the Holocaust?!"

The child will come and ask...

And I, the parent, will stand there frustrated...

What do we say?! How do we answer the questions without causing any harm at all...???

Here are some answers:

★ It’s important to prepare children in advance for the siren that will sound. Explain that it is customary to stand during the siren to remember, honor, and think about all the people who were killed.

★ We should not force young children to stand or stop what they are doing, but we can set an example by stopping what we are doing ourselves.

★ It’s important to limit exposure to difficult content, such as watching movies or news broadcasts. Children are naturally curious, which is wonderful, but we must avoid providing broad information that is not age-appropriate and could shock or cause anxiety.

★ It’s important to emphasize the geographical and temporal distance — this happened many years ago, even before we, the parents, were born, and even before the state existed.

★ It’s important to strengthen the children’s sense of security, reassuring them that their environment is safe and protected. When answering questions, emphasize protection, strength, resilience, and heroism. Just as in other holidays we celebrate, we highlight the victory of the Jews over other nations, here too we emphasize the victory of those who survived and the connection to the establishment of the State of Israel, the Jewish state.

★ Our responsibility as parents is to set an example, tell the story, and preserve the memory, while also protecting the tender souls of our children.

Everything in its time, with explanations suited to the child’s age and level of understanding.

★★ We will remember and never forget ★★

Ilana Kahana, Parenting Consultation and Guidance

053-5453350

Parenting with Responsibility - Ilana Kahana - Parenting Consultation and Guidance

Here Parents with Joy!