As the crisis in the Middle East escalates, so do anxieties around the situation.

The US and Israel have launched airstrikes in Iran, and the conflict is spilling over into neighbouring countries, with missiles fired at a British airbase in Cyprus.

For those caught up in the violence and attacks, it’s unimaginable – and for those looking on from afar, the feelings of fear and helplessness can be overwhelming.

For children, who have less of an idea of what is going on, this can be even more terrifying.

Hearing words like ‘bombing’ and ‘World War Three’ without a full understanding of what’s going on is worrying for us all, and it doesn’t escape our little ones.

‘Children are like sponges; they’re absorbing everything,’ explains hypnotherapist, psychotherapist and mentor, Tania Taylor.

‘Whether it’s on the news, someone talking to the shop checkout lady, parents chatting in the playground, or a TikTok video, much of what they are hearing, especially once at school, is out of your control.

‘And sometimes, external factors (for example, Kevin in the playground telling everyone that World War Three is starting and we’re all going to die) can provoke more of a fear response.’

Even very young children may be more aware of what war is than we might even realise.

‘Many children have been exposed to adults or older siblings playing war-type computer games or watching YouTube influencers play such games on their own or a friend’s mobile phone or tablet,’ Tania says.

‘So, words like “bombing” may not be as unfamiliar to our children as we might assume.’

Therefore, it’s worth considering your language around younger children. 

But how is best to explain what’s going on to the children in your life? And how can you go about reassuring any anxieties (while also managing your own)?

How to approach the subject

As parents and carers, we can feel like what we should be doing is giving them all of the facts and keeping them informed. But this approach can sometimes leave children feeling overwhelmed, Tania explains.

‘Children tend to be really good at spontaneous questioning. If they want to know something, they’ll ask,’ she says.

But if they do ask, or you feel that they need some explanation or reassurance, it’s important to think about how you’re feeling first.

Tania recommends: ‘First of all, you need to consider your own state of mind in relation to what is going on and how much information you would personally like to give your child.

‘This is important as even if you are led by your child’s questioning, you begin with at least some self-awareness of how you are feeling and where you want to go with it. 

‘If you are particularly anxious about it all, it may be that you choose to wait until a time when you’re feeling less anxious to talk about it. Or perhaps having a discussion with another important adult in your child’s life, who can talk to your child instead, like a teacher or grandparent.’ 

Tania suggests that you may want to start with a non-specific question, like ‘have you learned about wars at school?’, and then listen to your child’s response.

‘What you’re doing here is enabling your child an opportunity to talk about something which they may not realise they can talk about,’ she notes.

‘If your child isn’t interested, they’ll tell you so, and there’s no need to push the conversation. If they go on to hear something at school, they’ll know you know about it, and be more likely to approach you with any questions.’

It’s always a good idea to let children know that, if they have any questions, they can ask you.

What can parents do and say to explain but not frighten?

Talking about the distance between the UK and ongoing events can be helpful, suggests Tania.

‘As much as we don’t want to normalise war, it is something that has been happening at varying points across the globe for the whole of your child’s life,’ she explains.

‘Knowing this can help to reassure your child that the chance they will be directly impacted is quite minimal.

‘Although they may want to talk to you about the people who are directly impacted. Keep language age-appropriate and be led by your child.

‘Taking action, such as getting in touch with a charity organisation that may accept shoebox-type gifts, is a really good way of showing your child that although this is happening far away, there are still small actions we can take to give our support.’

Active listening

Tania also recommends a technique called ‘active listening’, which you can use if your child is interested and wants to know more.

‘What you are doing here is paying full attention to your child during the whole conversation, ignoring distractions, and putting all your focus on listening to your child’s words,’ she tells us.

‘Listen to what they’re asking, and don’t give more information than they are asking for. We humans have a habit of oversharing, which is a situation when that’s not necessarily helpful.’

And if you don’t know all the answers to their questions, don’t be afraid to say you don’t know.

Tania adds: ‘Perhaps you can spend time searching for information together, or maybe you feel more comfortable saying you’ll find out and let them know later on.’

How to talk to kids of different age groups

News like this can be scary to children if not handled in the right way, and it will be different for different ages, explains Kirsty Ketley, a qualified early years and parenting consultant.

‘There is no ‘one way’ approach, as all children are different, but it is important that the subject is treated with sensitivity and understanding of what children need to know, weighed against what they are hearing from other sources,’ she tells us.

‘Children of all ages will also feel more worried when they think that no one is willing to talk about things that are worrying to them – they will think that it is too scary or upsetting to talk about, which then adds to their worries.’

Under seven

‘I think it is unlikely for this age group to properly pick up on what is going on,’ says Kirsty.

‘But, if they do overhear your conversations or see the news and ask questions, it is important to make sure they know they are safe and that what is happening is not in our country – perhaps showing them on a map or globe, so they can grasp the distance.

‘Kids of this age don’t need to be burdened with news that they are unable to understand, so if they don’t mention it, don’t bring it up. Let them be blissfully unaware.’

Jacqui O’Connell is a Youth Leader and Co-founder of the charity Spiritus, supporting homeschooled children in West London.

She says: ‘For younger children, we recommend reading a book about general worries and how to deal with them, such as Scared and Worried by psychiatrist James J Crist, PhD. You can then apply this to their worries about the situation with Ukraine and Russia.

‘Age-appropriate books on worries can help us discuss concerns and support children without too much detail.’

Tweens (between eight and 12)

‘Tweens are at an impressionable age and are more aware of the world around them,’ says Kirsty.

‘They will have learned about war and conflict in history lessons at school, and so they will have preconceived ideas of what it is all about.

She recommends watching something like Newsround, aimed towards 6-12-year-olds, which explains things in an appropriate way. ‘If you are worried about how to go about things, watch it with your child and then have a discussion about what you have watched.’

Another key to talking to children between the ages of 7-12 yrs is also how we question them.

‘Keep it positive,’ says educational expert and founder of KidCoachApp Kavin Wadhar.

‘Don’t ask why they are worried. Children often struggle to understand their emotions, which can lead to further anxiety. Instead, ask them questions to help them work out solutions to their worries.’

‘It is also crucial for parents to be aware of how they discuss the situation in the Middle East with other adults around children or in earshot.

‘Children are susceptible to how parents respond to issues, which can have a massive impact on a child’s anxieties. Studies have shown that children from as young as one to two years old will mimic parents’ behaviour.’

Teens (12 and above)

Kirsty suggests asking them what they already know and giving them lots of reassurance if they are worried.

‘Let them know that you are there to talk through things,’ she says.

‘I think it is important that they know that what they are seeing on social media won’t all be accurate and suggest that they watch the news or read reliable news sources online, instead.’

For teenagers, it is important to research the issues, look at the history of wars, and discuss why we have wars,’ support worker and joint founder of Spiritus, Gemma Eni Cherish, says.

‘We have had group discussions to give everyone a chance to share their point of view after exploring what is happening and why, which helps ease their concerns.

‘It also helps support children in finding their confidence as we suggest they develop ways to deal with anxieties. They build trust and confidence by sharing, and we all learn how to support each other.’

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

MORE: Here’s who is in the running to become Iran’s next Supreme Leader

MORE: ‘Nobody wants to be on the first flight out of Qatar – missiles are being intercepted above’

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Degrees of Separation

Join us each week as hear from the people going through familial estrangement, for worse and for better.

Dear Eric: I’m 65 and have been retired for the past two years. To stay active, I went to work as a personal driver for a very wealthy man. I’m salaried, so when he travels (on average one week a month) I still get paid. It’s really not about the money; I enjoy the position.

What I don’t like is getting the schedule on Friday (for my personal planning purposes). Often the schedule drastically changes usually with little notice, sometimes the same day.

I have had several conversations with him about being more transparent, so I may plan my time off. Several times I changed plans to accommodate him.

I asked him to please update the schedule as soon as he makes plans. His response is for me to inform his assistant. I spoke to his assistant who told me she updates the calendar immediately and then it’s added to my calendar, which may take a day or two.

I asked him to send the updates directly to me since I’m the one who is responsible for driving him. His response was “I don’t know how to add to the driving calendar.”

I told him to text me the information and I’ll add it to the calendar. He said he would, but he says a lot of stuff and never follows through. What can you add to assist in this issue?

— Driver Being Driven Nuts

Dear Driver: One option is to ask his assistant to give you access to the main calendar that updates immediately, so that you can make plans more quickly. I’m not sure whether this is feasible — perhaps he has things on there that he doesn’t need you to see. But it can’t hurt to ask her.

Because he has a driver and an assistant — and probably other staff — it sounds like he wants to offload a lot of the logistics of his life. So, asking him to do more communicating about something he purposefully doesn’t want to be involved in may be a nonstarter for him.

If you can’t get access to the main calendar, you may have to decide whether this is still a job that works for your life. It may be that you want more control over your own schedule and this isn’t a job that allows for that. It’s fine to say this was a great opportunity that you enjoyed for a time, but now you want your time back.

Dear Eric: My husband and I are in the same situation as “Left at Home,” who struggled with envy about her husband’s work trips.

My husband has a job he dislikes, but it is his own business, and he can’t leave it until he retires. I travel occasionally for work. When I travel, I stay at nicer hotels, eat at nicer restaurants and sometimes do interesting things, but I’d rather not travel for work anymore.

To my husband, my travel is exciting and he feels envious. Left at Home said that her husband tells her he doesn’t want to go on the trips anymore but then tells her about all the good food and fun things that were planned for them. She thinks he is disingenuous and feels like the trips and experiences are distancing her from him.

I believe her husband. I don’t like traveling anymore. I face long flight delays and cancellations. Getting up at 3 a.m. to make a flight. Spending nights alone in hotels, missing my husband and my family. Long drives in unfamiliar places often late at night because my flight was delayed. Long meaningless meetings.

Yes, I come home and tell him that I had an interesting site visit, or that I ate some wonderful food at a unique restaurant, but I do that because I want to share my experiences with the person I love. I also share the bad experiences, but he also thinks I’m being disingenuous. Believe me, I’m not. I’d rather not travel anymore. It isn’t glamorous and exciting.

I hope she gives him the benefit of the doubt and stops giving him a hard time. If he needs the job and the job comes with travel, then she should accept it gracefully and find other things to do, as you recommended.

Dear Eric: My 26-year-old grandson has never held a job. Three years ago, he earned a master’s degree. Despite his achievement, he engages in all-night computer gaming, sleeps during the day and lacks motivation to seek employment.

His father is out of the picture, and his mother, my daughter, maintains him in every way. She loves him and seems hesitant to address the situation directly.

While she works and manages the household, I occasionally assist, which I don’t mind doing. However, I feel that my assistance inadvertently reinforces his destructive behavior. I would appreciate any suggestions on how to help this individual break free from his detrimental routine.

— Concerned Grandfather

Dear Grandfather: You have the opportunity, as someone who is a helpful, consistent presence, to have a frank conversation with your grandson. I’d encourage you to take it. You can ask, “What is your plan for employment? Are there obstacles standing in your way? Would you like some advice? Are there specific areas in which you’d like my help?” And then listen to his answers. They’ll be very telling, one way or another.

He may tell you he’s looked and he can’t find anything. He may say that it was different for you when you were his age, and you don’t understand what he’s facing. It surely was different, but we all have the privilege of and the obligation to live in reality.

Go into this conversation with curiosity rather than demands, knowing that his expectations may not match your expectations. He will trust you more as a coach, mentor and resource if you listen to what his goals for himself are and help him chart a path toward achieving those goals.

Similarly, you might ask your daughter if she’s open to opinions about her son. It does sound like this is an enabling situation. But removing the enabling without identifying a goal is just going to cause conflict.

The three of you are all adults who are capable of making your own decisions. Sometimes we have to let our loved ones make a choice that doesn’t benefit them — this goes for your daughter and your grandson. However, you can have the most impact by working with her and with him to set new goals for employment and engagement in the house’s affairs and then holding him to them.

Dear Eric: I am a mother of two adult men. One of which is doing great and is living the single life. The other one is also doing good. He has his own business. My issue is that my son with his own business was engaged and they both decided to call it off.

Now I can’t seem to be happy when I hear about others who are getting married or even having children, whether it be family or people in general I don’t even know.

Looks like both sons are set in their lives and I fear I will not have the joy of being an in-law or grandparent. I guess what I’m asking is for some advice to help me move on. I know you’re probably going to suggest therapy, which I don’t want.

— Unhappy

Dear Unhappy: It is always a little bit of a challenge when people write, “don’t tell me to go to therapy,” because I’m like, “well… but that’s the answer.” However, I can respect your request and give you some other options.

First, is acceptance. Acceptance doesn’t mean “liking” or “wanting” or even “not being mad about.” Acceptance is you saying, “this is what is right now.” That right now is crucial because your wants could change, your sons’ romantic lives could change, anything could change. So, it’s important to say “I don’t have what I want right now” because it helps prevent you from spiraling out into forever.

Dear Eric: I’m an African American man in my late 60s. Nobody would call me the most religious guy on the planet, but the center aisle in the church would not open up and swallow me if I walked in.

I have a white friend, proud of his Jewish heritage, who I have known since we were kids. He spends as much time in the synagogue as I spend in the church (i.e., not much), but he is always holding up his religion as his badge of honor.

Admittedly, as a somewhat non-practitioner, I don’t keep up with the Jewish holidays. He calls me all the time saying “hey, aren’t you going to wish me Happy Chanukah, or happy Rosh Hashanah?”

Tonight, he sent me pictures of some religious celebration. I did a modest perusal in AI but could not find a Jewish holiday that is being celebrated tonight. How do I get my old friend to take a chill pill?

— Not Religious

Dear Not Religious: It sounds like he’s trying to share part of his culture with you. Some Jewish people don’t practice or consider themselves particularly observant but have deep connections to the cultural traditions and history of Judaism. This is very important, as with any other cultural tradition — racial, ethnic, or religious.

So, when he says, “wish me a Happy Chanukah,” he may be saying, “this is a big part of who I am, and it would be meaningful for you to see it and acknowledge it.” Maybe next time consider asking him “what do you do for Chanukah/Purim/et cetera? Tell me what it means to you.” You can also just say, “Happy Chanukkah” and leave it at that.

For holidays you don’t recognize, it’s fine to ask, “what holiday is this?” The internet is also a good resource. I don’t recommend using AI for any information gathering, but there are sites written by humans, like Judaism 101 (jewfaq.org/jewish_holidays), that list major holidays and provide explanations of their importance, if you’re curious.

Dear Eric: My husband and I have enjoyed hosting parties in our home for years. There are some guests that like to bring a bouquet of flowers to thank us. It is a very kind gesture, but to be honest, it’s an inconvenience to deal with flowers while greeting other folks and finishing up last-minute preparations for the gathering.

As alternatives, a small potted plant or flowers in a jar would be another way to thank the hosts without creating extra work.

Of course, we always show appreciation to our guests that bring us bouquets, but would it be rude to give them a vase and scissors and ask them if they could please arrange the flowers? Your thoughts?

— Lover of Flowers and Friends

Dear Flowers and Friends: I don’t think it’s rude at all. Some guests love to be given something to do while the hosts finish preparing dinner. If you can set them up with what they need and they won’t be in your way in the kitchen, hand over a vase without hesitation.

Dear Eric: I’m a retired therapist who specialized in ADHD, with adults and families and couples. I am also ADHD. I wanted to write about a letter from “Tired,” whose friend was recently diagnosed with ADHD and has started using it as an excuse for a new habit of lateness, among other things.

The diagnosis, while in some ways freeing, is an explanation, not an excuse. Most of my ADHD clients worked really hard to learn coping techniques to help them get through their life and work.

There are many behaviors that can be successfully managed. (Timers on our phones work wonders.) This “friend” of Tired’s needs some accountability for her behaviors, and when she received the diagnosis, should have been given some guidance about symptom management.

Dr. Daniel Amen has written several excellent books on ADHD, including tips for families with both children and adults with ADHD.

Dear Eric: During our morning walks, my husband and I became acquainted with “Ron,” a homeless man who always sits on the same bench and always has a cheery hello. During the holiday season, we decided to gift him a box of homemade cookies and a Christmas card with $200 in cash slipped inside. I’ve imagined him treating himself to a decent dinner or buying something nice. We knew nothing about Ron, except that he seemed sweet and sober and appreciated our little gifts.

Recently, from several reliable sources, we’ve discovered that Ron has been sending money, including his VA checks, to a woman in China in the hope of getting her to come to America and marry him. People have repeatedly tried to tell him that this is an internet scam, but he refuses to listen.

I find it upsetting that our money is being handed directly over to a scammer somewhere. My inclination next holiday is to continue to hand him the cookies and the card but not the cash. I figure it’s just $200 less for some heartless con artist to steal.

My husband, however, objects. He says it’s none of our business how Ron spends his money. If this gives Ron purpose or pleasure, then who are we to interfere? Our reward should be in the giving and nothing else. My compromise is to give Ron a gift certificate, perhaps to a grocery store, but my husband feels that even this safeguard is too judgmental. What is your opinion?

— The Christmas Judge

Dear Judge: We don’t get to choose how other people make use of our gifts, especially strangers. Since you don’t have a relationship with Ron beyond these very generous gifts, you’re not in a position to safeguard him. I’m not wagging my finger, but it’s notable that you know nothing about him and you heard about the supposed scam from others, not from Ron. He’s not shared this part of his life with you.

What you might do is ask him, “what do you need?” or “is there someplace from which you’d like a gift card?” This way, you can be more confident that you’re meeting him where he is without trying to police his spending.

Dear Eric: I have a friend who is driving me and other friends to the brink with her persistent negativity. This has been going on for years but is much worse lately.

We are all retired, and this friend is substantially better off financially than the rest of us. Despite this, everything is a litany of “poor me” and nonstop negativity. No one else has suffered grievous losses as she has (we have). No one else is as burdened with problems as she is (we have our own issues, and deal with them). No one experiences as much pain, suffering, loss, misfortune or tragedy as she does.

Literally every conversation ends up being her listing a multitude of problems, all featuring her as the victim. When we try to gently point out that they are financially secure, or have many blessings to be grateful for, it’s just a doorway to yet more complaining, whining and “poor me.”

It’s clear she’s depressed, and it’s also clear that the medications and counseling she’s receiving are not helping. We’ve tried patience, listening, kind boundary-holding on topics, and redirection.

It’s to the point where some friends have stepped way back from the relationship, and where several of us are questioning why we continue on. This woman can be kind, generous and caring but rarely, and there’s little joy in any of our relations with her. Help, please.

— Overwhelmed by Negativity

Dear Eric: My sister’s daughter is getting married in the fall. My 20-year-old daughter has not been invited because it is “adults only.” This upsets both of us because she is close to her cousin.

When I asked if she could attend the wedding ceremony, I was told that I wasn’t even invited to the wedding ceremony because it was immediate family only, although the seven bridesmaids will outnumber the wedding guests.

Now I will be driving several hours to attend the reception. It feels like a long trip just for dinner. Just sending a gift will upset my sister. I am not sure how to handle this situation.

— Reception Only

Dear Reception: I do empathize with your disappointment about not being invited to the ceremony, but on a technical level the difference between a reception-only experience and one that includes the ceremony is probably only an hour, maybe an hour and a half. Yes, that’s a crucial hour, emotionally, legally, religiously, if they’re so inclined. But it might help you to think of the reception not as lesser, but just different.

Now, this doesn’t mean you’re required to go. If you find that thinking of the reception in a different way doesn’t assuage your hurt feelings, that’s fine. You can decide to send a gift and spare yourself the drive. But there probably isn’t a way to skip the event and not offend your sister.

I often get questions about weddings; people have different requests and requirements of their guests. It’s good for marrying couples to assume everyone’s best intentions and best efforts and be understanding of their guests. It’s also great for guests to say to themselves, this is their special day, and I want to be there to help make it special.

Tell your sister you want to make it special, but you’re feeling like an afterthought. Maybe she has some insight.

Dear Eric: I am recently widowed and have never seen my problem addressed. My spouse was a wonderful person. I now have the remnants and reminders of our 38 years together literally everywhere. Hobbies, clothes, boat motors, guitars, golf clubs, yard tools, woodworking supplies. My children would love for me to continue living with it all. How do I separate from it?

— Mementos

Dear Mementos: I’m sorry for your loss; mementos can be a comfort or a hard reminder. And sometimes they’re both. The complicated feelings you’re likely feeling aren’t unusual. There are options. Reach out to a senior downsizer or a professional organizer and enlist their help. They won’t start giving things away right off the bat. Rather, they’ll help you think through what you want your space to look like and they can help navigate conversations with your kids about handing things off.

It sounds like your children are experiencing part of their grief as sentimentality. That’s completely understandable. But the solution isn’t for your house to remain a museum. They can take mementos that mean something to them. Then you all, as a family, can thank the other mementos for what they gave to you and what they represent, then release them to another life.

Take your time with this. I imagine it’s overwhelming being surrounded by reminders of your fresh loss every day. Start small, perhaps by creating a space — a room, a corner — that is just yours to fill up or leave empty as you get to know this new version of yourself and process your feelings.

Dear Eric: This is in response to “Rambling Relative,” whose 84-year-old mother had no cognitive issues but had begun rambling and repeating herself on their phone calls.

The letter writer may want to try this:

When she starts talking about people or events you don’t know anything about, get a pad and pencil and write down notes. Make sure you tell her you are doing this so maybe she will get to the point. (You can repeat each one back to her as if you are trying to get it right.) If you are a praying person, you can tell her you will take time to pray for them during the week.

The next time you talk to her, go down the list and ask how each one is doing. If she starts to ramble on about one of them, summarize by saying, “So no improvement there,” or “I’m glad so and so is doing better.” Then move on to the next one. After you finish the list, tell her something about your life, or ask her how she likes the weather, etc.

“Why can’t you be more like your brother?”

“You’re acting just like your father.”

lechatnoir via Getty Images

“You’re such a disappointment.”

“You have nothing to cry about.”

If you slip up and say one of these phrases here and there, it’s OK – but repeating them can be harmful.

Parents can be firm in their disciplining but should also be emotionally supportive.

Dear Eric: I live in an apartment with my 22-year-old daughter. She had a really bad high school experience that was broken up by Covid, so remote learning didn’t go well either. She eventually got her diploma but since then has not been able to find a job. We are going on about a year and a half now. She applies but doesn’t even get interviews.

This is going to sound selfish, but I want to move away with my boyfriend of seven years so that we can start living our life together (we do not currently live together). I know my daughter is an adult, but she is far from self-sufficient and makes no money to pay rent/bills/groceries.

I cannot kick her out onto the streets; I don’t have it in me to see her struggle like that. I can’t take her with us because they don’t get along. I’m kind of at my wits end here because I don’t know how to change my situation so that I will be able to leave with my boyfriend and also make sure that my daughter can take care of herself. Please, help me.

— Feeling Helpless

Dear Feeling Helpless: Pull your daughter into this conversation. Be honest with her about what your goals are and ask her what her goals are. And then work together to make a plan. It’s been kind and loving of you to provide for her as she struggles with independence. But it will actually be empowering for you to engage her, adult to adult. She’s going to need these skills whether or not she gets a job.

Maybe she needs training in a specific field or further education; maybe she can cobble together income from gig work. Maybe there are other relatives or friends that she can assist for money or in exchange for housing. I’m not saying this will be an easy process for her, or for you. But something needs to change in her life, and you want something to change in your life. The first step is asking her, “what do you plan to do and how can I help?”

Dear Eric: I have a soft voice that has been criticized by many. I took a required speech class in college, and the instructor made up an emergency and asked if anyone would believe me if I told them about it.

I overheard my principal tell a colleague, “It’s a wonder she had any control over her (elementary) class with that voice.” I am so tired of being talked over by others. Sometimes, I have to start saying something three or four times before people listen. Sometimes, I just give up. Sometimes, I feel like I should act like a child, raise my hand and wait to be called on. Help!

— Quiet as a Mouse

Dear Quiet: Despite what your principal said, I’m presuming you do have control over your elementary school class. You’ve developed tactics that don’t rely on your voice’s volume. Give yourself credit for finding other ways to command attention, teach material and maintain order. Perhaps there are ways of applying some of your classroom skills in other areas in life.

Also, look into a class or training with a vocal coach or acting teacher. The voice is an instrument and, like any other instrument, “loud” isn’t always the best setting. Consider a piccolo or a clarinet; when played correctly, they can be quite arresting without very much volume. Similarly, a teacher trained in the voice can work with your specific instrument, show you its features — your vocal cords, your diaphragm, your breathing, etc. — and guide you in ways of using it effectively without having to shout.

Dear Eric: My husband and I enjoy hosting dinner and cards with other couples. This is also reciprocated by a few other friends. I’ve found it cringe-worthy due to the fact that they don’t want to play a game that takes some thought. It’s a game that just relies on the luck of the draw.

Photo by Richard Stachmann on Unsplash

How parents can support children with ADHD to sleep better

1. Keep bedtime consistent

2. Focus on light

3. Consider nervous system input earlier in the day

4. Try quiet, focused activities before bed

5. Let them offload their worries

6. Gently help kids back to bed

6. Consider their sleep quality

A note for parents struggling with the long evenings

The farm has multiple play areas and animals to see.

If you are trying to save a bit of money but still want to take your children out to do some activities over half term, you might want to check out this farm just outside of Peterborough. Sacrewell Farm is letting kids enter for free with every paying adult during half term and has a range of indoor and outdoor activities.

If you are lucky with the weather, you can spend plenty of time enjoying the outdoors and taking a walk on one of the routes around the farm’s countryside. You can take a walk through the farm and the surrounding area. You can walk for either one mile or three miles depending on how active you feel.

Children might love to say hello to all the farm animals that call Sacrewell home, including rare, heritage, and recovering-breed animals. You can see sheep, goats, pigs, and more unusual animals like alpacas.

After seeing the animals, you can let children run free around the outdoor play park, which features swings, slides, and climbing equipment. There is also a sensory garden where you can take a moment to enjoy some peace and quiet.

If it does start raining during your trip, Sacrewell Farm has an indoor soft play area with colourful ball pits and climbing frames ideal for “energetic imaginations”. The soft play area also has lots of themed zones, including a chicken coop where children can run around and collect eggs.

The farm also has its own café that you can visit after a long walk around the countryside or after spending hours in the playground. The café is open for full English breakfasts and muffins as well as toasties, jacket potatoes, and a few larger meals at lunchtime.

The farm also has its own gift shop where you can pick something up to remember your trip by. The shop is packed with toys, games, and books to keep the fun going at home.

Entry to the farm over the half-term will be free for children. Day tickets for adults cost £13.55 and can be bought from the Sacrewell Farm website.

Sacrewell Farm is in Thornhaugh, Peterborough – just a 16-minute drive from the city. The farm has plenty of free parking for visitors to use.