What if my child acts like s/he doesn care about war or people getting hurt?
Some children pretend they don’t care, and other children really do not care. There are different reasons they may do this. Many adolescents want to show that they are strong and are not afraid. Some may say they don’t care at first but then gradually realize how important the event is. Parents cannot make children feel one thing or another, but they can be available and supportive. You can let the children know that any feelings they are having are all right. You can let them know they do not need to put up a front. Recognize feelings may change as children learn more and become accustomed to the situation. Tell older children how you feel. Explain how other people feel. In the end, though, let children be in charge of their own feelings. Some children who have many other stresses going on in their lives are not affected much by political violence far away. They may have a lot of violence in their own homes or neighborhoods. In addition, some children who have been hurt badly have not
