But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids

Why is Russia invading Ukraine?

The invasion of Ukraine has been the top story in the news for the last few weeks, and kids around the world are asking questions about what is happening and what it means for them. In this episode we ask Erin Hutchinson, Assistant Professor of Russian History at the University of Colorado Boulder, to help us understand the history behind this conflict. Adults: we don’t go into detail about what war looks like on the ground, but we acknowledge war is a scary topic. You may want to preview this episode ahead of time to make sure it's right for your kids.
Download our learning guides: <a href="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/a6/8e/7429aeeb41d48ecfe2cfd5706e55/what-do-you-do-when-the-news-is-upsetting.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PDF</a> | <a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1EK_Szu6W6pTbIv67vFnZxZABHBEOaZPN_Ul-NeHm8m8/copy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Google Slide</a> | <a href="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/4d/46/42fee64c4d1b85755f3af8449407/but-why-175-ukraine-transcript.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Transcript</a>
We have collected some resources for parents/caregivers about how to talk to kids about war and ways families can help. 
How to talk to kids about war
<a href="https://www.meetthehelpers.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Meet the Helpers</a>
<a href="https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/how-to-talk-to-kids-about-violence-crime-and-war" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Common Sense Media</a>
<a href="https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/best-news-sources-for-kids" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">News Sources for Kids from Common Sense Media</a>
<a href="https://namle.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/parent_guide_final.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NAMLE Parent’s Guide to Media Literacy</a>
Ways To Help
<a href="https://www.savethechildren.org/us/charity-stories/how-to-explain-conflict-ukraine-to-children" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Save the Children</a>
<a href="https://www.unicef.org/ukraine/en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">UNICEF</a>
<a href="https://www.eurasia.org/support-for-the-people-of-ukraine/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eurasia Foundation</a>
<a href="https://moldovamatters.substack.com/p/updated-how-to-help-refugees-in-moldova?s=w" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Donations for refugees in Moldova</a>

But Why is a show led by kids. They ask the questions and we find the answers. It’s a big interesting world out there. On But Why, we tackle topics large and small, about nature, words, even the end of the world. Know a kid with a question? Record it with a smartphone. Be sure to include your kid's first name, age, and town and send the recording to questions@butwhykids.org!