“I was actually a bit scared. But after talking with my mother, I’m fine now. I’m not scared anymore,” said 11-year-old Miilu Lindberg.
In a world of 24-hour news cycles, international headlines often reach the youngest members of our society, reports KNR, the Greenlandic public broadcaster.
Even though very few children sit down to watch the evening news, global political events, like Donald Trump’s widely publicised interest in Greenland, are not easily forgotten. For many Greenlandic children, these aren’t just headlines; they are questions about the safety of their homes.
The Weight of Global News: Miilu’s Story
11-year-old Miilu Lindberg Boassen, who lives in Nuuk, explains that this is also a topic of conversation at school.
“I was actually a bit scared. But after talking with my mother, I’m fine now. I’m not scared anymore,” he says.
Miilu’s experience isn’t unique. This month, MIO (Greenland’s National Advocacy Organisation for Children’s Rights) has received calls from concerned parents.
How should we talk to children?
The children’s spokesperson at the centre, Stina Sværd, explains:
“Some parents say their children are having trouble sleeping at night, have stomach aches, and are very anxious about what might happen. Other parents call because they want good advice on how to talk to their children about the situation, as children are curious and ask many questions,” says the spokesperson.
Stina Sværd emphasises that it is crucial for children to understand that the situation is being handled by adults. She currently senses a feeling of anxiety and uncertainty about the future.
MIO is now conducting an in-depth study on the effects of these tense political conditions on children and youth in our country. This will help the organisation create projects targeted at both children and parents.
“Our teacher said we shouldn’t be afraid”
Expert Advice: How to Talk to Your Kids About Politics
The Minister of Health, Anna Wangenheim, and the Minister for Children and Youth, Nivi Olsen, also spoke to the press regarding the situation. They offered parents advice on how to talk to their children during these tense times.
“It’s not about explaining exactly what is happening in the world, but rather about being aware of how the child is feeling, asking open questions, and answering in language the child can understand,” says Nivi Olsen.
“We must be close to the children, be curious, and listen to their thoughts and feelings. Children sense and observe everything about how we adults are doing. Therefore, it is important for parents to remain calm and reassure the children that adults are taking care of the problems,” she concludes.
Although Donald Trump and the political situation occupy a significant place in 11-year-old Miilu Lindberg Boassen’s life, he has become calmer.
“We talked about it briefly with our teacher, and then our teacher said we shouldn’t be afraid. Trump is not going to buy Greenland,” he says.
