Raising Good Humans How to Talk With Children About the Holocaust
Apr 8, 2021
In this engaging discussion, actress and producer Jennifer Garner, along with developmental psychologist Dr. Aliza Pressman, delve into how to talk to kids about the Holocaust sensitively. They explore using literature and artistic expression as tools for empathy. Through personal stories and cultural exposure, they emphasize the significance of familial history and resilience. The conversation also touches on the importance of nurturing critical thinking skills in adolescents and fostering open, respectful dialogues about difficult topics.
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Language Vigilance Prevents Escalation
- Focus on stopping dehumanizing language early to prevent escalation toward atrocities.
- Teaching language vigilance builds moral resistance before discussing genocide.
Prioritize Safety For Young Children
- Make safety the first message with young children so they feel secure before learning hard history.
- Avoid graphic details and instead focus on contributions and celebrations of Jewish life.
Use Poetry As An Entry Point
- Use age-appropriate texts like poetry for younger school-age children to humanize victims without trauma.
- Read short poems (e.g., Pavel Friedman's "The Butterfly") to open gentle conversations.
