A recent study highlights the crucial role of parental emotional support in safeguarding children’s mental health during war, even when parents are coping with their own trauma. Published in the *International Journal on Child Maltreatment: Research, Policy and Practice*, this research reveals that parents can serve as a protective factor against anxiety and distress for their children in conflict situations.
The study, conducted by a team of researchers including Dr. Mor Kleynikov and Prof. Dana Lassri from Hebrew University, Prof. Noga Cohen and Dr. Joy Benatov from University of Haifa, along with Prof. Reuma Gadassi-Polack from Bar-Ilan University and Yale University, collected data approximately one month after the terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, during the ongoing Israel–Hamas conflict. The study involved 318 parents of children aged 5 to 18, with 76% of the participants being women and an average age of 40. Most respondents reported significant exposure to the war.
The findings emphasize that even when parents themselves experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), they can still function as an emotional resource for their children. Central to this supportive role is the ability to maintain open communication about feelings. The study found that when parents encouraged discussions about emotions, validated their children’s feelings, and assisted in problem-solving, their children exhibited increased resilience.
While many may assume that parents must be in perfect mental health to support their children effectively, the research offers a more optimistic perspective. It underscores that a parent’s willingness to listen and create an environment where feelings can be expressed is what truly matters.
“The study shows that there is something we can do, even under harsh conditions,” the researchers noted. They stressed the importance of providing parents with practical tools to emotionally support their children, potentially shielding future generations from psychological decline.
The emotional bond between parent and child can serve as a vital protective factor, even amid significant external threats. The research advocates for the integration of trauma-informed parenting programs in educational and therapeutic settings, particularly for families living in conflict zones. These programs could equip parents with adaptive interpersonal emotion regulation techniques, providing essential emotional support that mitigates the long-term effects of trauma on children.
The researchers suggest that these findings should be incorporated into community support systems, emphasizing that accessible, evidence-based tools can significantly enhance children’s well-being. By fostering supportive parenting practices, families can better navigate the challenges posed by conflict and stress, ultimately contributing to healthier future generations.
This study not only sheds light on the critical role of parents during times of war but also underscores the importance of investing in resources that enhance family relationships, which can serve as a buffer against the psychological toll of conflict.
For further details, see: Mor Keleynikov et al, *Parental PTSD and Children’s Well-Being During Wartime: The Role of Interpersonal Emotion Regulation*, *International Journal on Child Maltreatment: Research, Policy and Practice* (2025). DOI: 10.1007/s42448-025-00238-y.