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Anxiety, high pulse, state of war

אילנה כהנא, הדרכת הורים | אימון אישי
7 days ago

This morning we woke up to a difficult reality.


Both the southern communities, unfortunately accustomed to such a reality, and communities that are not. I think at this moment, there isn’t a single resident in the country who isn’t feeling some level of tension, constantly checking the news and updates.


Many parents stayed home with their children. I’m one of them.


Yes, I’m a mother. I’m at home with the kids, living in the bubble of Modi’in. I’m a parenting coach and a children and youth trainer.


I manage groups and mailing lists, and since the morning, I’ve been sending updates everywhere—calming instructions, reassurance talks, and guidance for parents who call.


Usually, I’m a calm, balanced, and realistic person. And then came a real alarm. The siren is right outside my window. Almost two hours have passed, and my advanced watch confirms that the chest pressure is real, with a higher-than-usual pulse!


At least the kids have Xbox, screens, and joy in their hearts.


I’m breathing… and you?


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The Ministry of Education issued a letter to parents, and I’m sharing the main points with you in the hope that they will help:


Periods of security tension are characterized by a sense of uncertainty, and there are children and even adults who experience fears and anxieties.


As parents, you are certainly busy trying to provide your children with a sense of security, explaining the situation, mediating the changing reality for them, and containing their emotions and needs.


In such events, children and adolescents are greatly influenced by the reactions of adults, and they interpret reality accordingly.


The first hours and days are very important for laying the foundation for effective coping with the situation.


Therefore, it is important to convey calming and balanced messages and provide appropriate information according to the children’s age and developmental stages.


Here are some guiding principles for emergency behavior:

⬅ Listening to Home Front Command instructions:


Explain the instructions to the children as calmly and matter-of-factly as possible. It’s important to set an example as parents by strictly following them!


Children will feel much safer when they see that everyone is doing their best to protect themselves and the children.

⬅ Refreshing safety procedures:


Explain again to the children where the protected spaces are at home and in any place you may be today.

⬅ Information and structuring reality:


It is recommended to talk about what is happening in simple and clear words without unnecessary dramatization. It’s important to emphasize that the security forces are doing their best to keep us safe.

⬅ Engaging children and assigning tasks:


Look for helpful activities at home that can be entrusted to the children—according to their age and personality. Activity and responsible tasks strengthen and moderate anxiety and feelings of helplessness.

⬅ Maintaining routine:


Even if everyone is at home, try to carry out regular activities that are usually done at home.

⬅ Connection and sharing:


It’s important to provide a sense of sharing and connection with family members and friends. Talk about feelings and experiences according to the children’s age, developmental level, and as regulated as possible.

⬅ Attention to particularly anxious children:


Everyone reacts differently, with varying intensity and pace. Some children are particularly sensitive, and it’s important for you as parents to convey confidence in your children’s ability to cope. It’s important to tailor your response to each child’s needs and seek help if necessary.

⬅ Don’t be alone:


If you’re experiencing emotional overload or have complex questions and dilemmas, don’t stay alone. Seek assistance from the school counselor, psychologist, or other professional resources.


Share this with friends—someone will benefit from it!


Ilana


 

Thank you for reading!I invite you to stay connected and join our community:

See you in the next post! 🌟

Ilana Cahana



 

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