Pregnancy & Parenting
On pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and caring for a newborn during wartime.
On pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and caring for a newborn during wartime.
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Family Care Centers, Mother and Newborn Health Care
The Ministry of Health is updating the website with information about open family care centers (Tipat Halav). -
Pregnancy and Labor During Wartime
At times of emergency, such as war, we are exposed to stressful situations that affect the health of the mother and the fetus. It is crucial to follow the pregnancy… -
To Breastfeed is to Provide Resilience
Especially during emergency and crisis situations, breastfeeding was found to be especially healthy both for the breastfeeding mother and the nursing baby. All information about breastfeeding during stressful and emergency… -
Traumatic Stress While Pregnant or Breastfeeding
All the information for women who are coping with stress and trauma while they are pregnant or breastfeeding. Tips for coping with stress, emotional support hotlines and more. -
Milk Bank: Donating and Receiving Breast Milk Donations
Which babies are eligible to receive donated breast milk? What are the criteria for donation, and how can someone request a donation? Due to the current security situation, there are… -
Self-Care to Be Able to Help Children
During emergencues, parents have a twofold challenge: function and cope with the situation themselves, so they can support and communicate the situation to their children. This way you can take… -
Staying Home with the Children
Prolonged stay at home with the children may increase both our stress and our children's. Important guidelines for prolonged stay at home and for relieving children's stress and trauma. -
Child and Teenager Online Safety
Especially during war and emergency situations, like the one that we are currently experiencing, the internet provides us with escapism and pleasure, but it may also present us with challenges… -
Screens in Wartime
Everything you need to know about screen time, both during emergency situations and in general. Pros, cons and what is the recommended screen time for every age group. -
Leaving Children Home Alone
According to law, you can leave children alone at home from the age of 6, but it is recommended not to leave them alone before the age of 9, as… -
Parental Guidance on Managing Child Traumatic Stress
Anxiety has different manifestations among children of different age groups and between children of the same age group. All the information and recommendations that parents need for coping with anxiety… -
Helping Children Understand Tragic Events
A couple of tips that will help you if you need to talk to your children about difficult subjects. -
Children With Special Needs
Helping children with special needs cope with the situation -
Parents in Active Military Service
How you can help your children cope with the recruitment of a parent to military service. It is important to remember that recruitment causes pressure but it also provides an…
Children With Special Needs
Helping children with special needs cope with the situation
In emergencies and wartime, children with special needs, including children on the autism spectrum, may show temporary declines in functioning and even regression in previously acquired skills (sleep, toileting, language, independence, emotional regulation).
Regression in traumatic situations is not a "true setback" but an adaptive response to uncertainty and sensory and emotional overload.
Signs of distress in children vary. You may notice restlessness, withdrawal, tantrums, aggression, or stubbornness not previously seen. Some children report physical complaints (like stomach or headache), may show hypervigilance or increased dependence on parents, and, as mentioned, developmental regression may occur. Changes in eating habits are also possible — reduced food intake or limiting certain foods, or alternatively, an increased desire to eat.
- Adjust explanations to the child’s level of understanding – It’s important to explain briefly, in simple, concrete language, without overwhelming details. Repeat the same message consistently: the main point is that adults are there to protect us.
- Use visual aids – Many children need visual anchors like a picture schedule, step-by-step alert routines, social stories, or similar aids.
- Maintain routine as much as possible – For children with special needs, familiar routines are even more important. Even amid uncertainty, keep daily anchors like set meal times, sleep, and familiar activities. You can create a fixed ritual around alerts – an action before or after (short song, hug, small game in the safe room). These build a sense of control and structure.
- Regulated parental presence – Children read adults’ emotional states. A calm voice, short clear messages, and appropriate touch convey security even in challenging situations. Take care of yourselves so you can stay regulated and responsive for your child.
- Don’t stay alone – This is not the time to be alone. Find a friend, neighbor, or family member who can be with you during difficult moments. This also allows you occasional breaks to breathe and recharge.
- Seek help from regular therapists – If you feel your child needs specific support, contact their regular health, social work, or psychology professionals for guidance and assistance.