On July 8, Ukraine celebrates an important holiday - Family Day. Find out how Ukrainian families have changed because of the war and tips to help keep family warmth despite separation

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Family Day is a special day when we remember the people closest to us - our families. However, for the second year in a row, many families have not been able to celebrate this day together because they have been separated by the war. This is a serious challenge for mothers, children and husbands who are deprived of the opportunity to see their loved ones and fathers.

Family Day is celebrated in Ukraine every year on the second Sunday of July. But on this holiday, we cannot but draw attention to the difficult situation in which many Ukrainian families find themselves because of the hostilities between russia and Ukraine. The war has changed the lives of Ukrainians forever, and has sown anxiety and unrest. It has brought destruction not only to the country as a whole, but also to families.  Thousands of Ukrainian men are at the front, leaving their families alone. Constant stress and fear take their toll on relationships.

Experiences of Ukrainian women

One of the most traumatic experiences for Ukrainian women is prolonged separation from their families. Women who are forced to be away from their husbands and fathers feel instability, abandonment and helplessness very acutely. Even staying abroad in relative safety and material stability does not give confidence in the future, because there is no understanding of how long the separation will last.  

How mothers feel abroad

Ukrainian mothers who have taken their children abroad are forced to take on a dual role - to be both mother and father to their children. They are solely responsible for raising their children, overcoming all the hardships and ensuring a good future for them. Although many of them feel anxious and tired, they still remain resilient.

Psychological support

Social support is an important factor for Ukrainian women living abroad. The feeling of helplessness because they cannot influence the situation in their homeland is psychologically exhausting for women. Providing them with emotional and psychological support and counseling can ease the burden on their shoulders.

In the countries where Ukrainian refugees are staying, Ukrainian women themselves are creating support groups, and female psychologists are helping their fellow refugees overcome their fears and anxiety.

The National Psychological Association has also launched a free psychological hotline for Ukrainians affected by the war. Learn more about free contacts and online help platforms in Ukraine and around the world.

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Military personnel and their children

On this Day, we should also remember all the soldiers who are defending our country from russian aggression. Their courage and sacrifice deserve our full support and gratitude. After all, today many parents were forced to leave their children behind and go to defend their country so that their children could live in a peaceful, free and strong Ukraine.

At the same time, not only men, but also Ukrainian women soldiers are now defending our country from the enemy.  This situation is a real challenge not only for the wife, but also for her husband, who takes care of the children.

The men show that love and support have no gender restrictions. They grow into real heroes who are able to face all challenges and difficulties, and their identity and dedication to their children are impressive and inspiring.

Wives, knowing that their children are under the care of their beloved husbands, can focus on their duties and fulfill an important mission on the front line. They know that their family is safe and surrounded by love. This gives them strength and motivation to continue fighting and defending their country.

Stories like these remind us that equality and support in a family is the key to its strength and happiness. They inspire us to be better, to understand the importance of mutual assistance.

Psychologists' advice on how to survive war separation

● Keep in touch with your partner, find a common language and send daily messages.

● Praise your partner and keep them in a good mood.

● Create a sense of realism by sharing everyday events and finding things to do together through video calls.

● Dream about the future with your partner.

● Turn your attention to self-development and activities you enjoy to get rid of negative thoughts about separation.

Family Day reminds us of the importance of family values and mutual support. In wartime, the role of the family becomes even more important as a source of strength and hope for the future. We must be sensitive to the needs of our family members. Only through joint efforts will we be able to establish family ties and restore the destroyed happiness.

May this Day be an eternal reminder of our strength, unity and unbreakable will to win. May it remind us of the irreplaceable value of family and the need to support those in need. Take care of each other and be strong!

We remind you! In this difficult time for Ukraine, it is very difficult to maintain inner balance, stay calm and hold on. Read what helps Ukrainians find their footing and feel happy despite the horrific war in our previous article.

Photo: Radio Svoboda

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