Kimberly Kopko

Associate Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension

Kimberly Kopko, senior extension associate in Cornell University's College of Human Ecology, is an expert in child development and parenting as well as family processes. She says it's important for parents to be aware how children are processing information around the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and provides advice on how to help ease any anxieties or fears children may have.

Kopko says: 

“It is important for parents to talk with their children about the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine in a developmentally appropriate manner as age is a significant factor in how children process information they are hearing or viewing.

“Parents can assure their children that they are safe, ease their fears, validate their feelings, monitor the amount of time children spend consuming information – from television, social media, and peers – guide them to reliable sources, invite questions and provide honest answers. 

“It is also important for parents to have a heightened awareness of how their children may be managing any anxiety around this situation and to look for signs they may be affected such as changes in habits, moods, or a lack of interest in school or friends.”