Think of a recent dreadful event that made headline news. What was your initial response to it? Did it create a sense of fear and hopelessness in you? Did it make you afraid to continue your normal daily processes—wondering if something bad would happen to you or your family members?
Unfortunately, children often experience similar thoughts and feelings when tragedy strikes.
Times of catastrophe are difficult for everyone. We all want to think our world and the environments we live in are safe, secure, and happy. However, when unexpected disasters occur we’re often left without understanding or reasons behind the chaos.
Adversities come in a variety of ways. We may encounter them through natural means such as tornadoes, floods, or hurricanes. We see videos and photos of storms capable of destroying lives and entire communities.
Other times we may face what appears to be an untimely accident or death of a loved one. And unfortunately, there are also senseless catastrophes caused by the evil doing of mean-hearted people.
Despite the type of devastation, it’s great to know that none of these situations are a surprise to God. In fact, our heavenly Father gives us words of comfort for such times. In John 16:33 we read where Jesus told His disciples, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
In similar ways, as a parent you wish to protect your children from the grim circumstances that are happening in our world. However, your kids often hear of these events from their friends, in classroom discussions, or through the media before you know they’re aware of the situation. Although there is the desire to explain these difficult conditions to your child, be careful to temper details according to his age and level of understanding.
When tragedy does strike, here are a few guidelines that can make these frightening situations a little easier to get through with your children:
- Keep daily schedules intact. Children find security in routine. As much as possible, continue your child’s normal procedures with school, home, church and friends. Doing this will show your child that God helps us deal with everything that comes along in our lives and that we can move forward.
- Discuss tragedies appropriately. It’s not healthy to offer unnecessary traumatic information to children. But if your child asks you questions related to the event, answer her questions as simply as possible—giving enough information to satisfy but not so much as to bring about more distress.
- Explain events on your child’s level of understanding. Even preschool-aged children realize the concept of good and bad choices. You can relay information—even that of evil behavior—in terms of people making bad choices. Remind your child that God loves all people, and that He wants us to make good choices in relationship to Him and to individuals within our communities.
- Offer comforting words from the Bible. Place a book mark in your child’s Bible where he can easily read scriptural promises that bring assurance to him when he feels unsettled about the abnormal events that are happening in the world. A few comforting passages of Scripture include:
“Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
“I will not leave you…I will come to you” (John 14:18).
The next time you encounter tragedy, trust that God will help you as you seek to bring about understanding and comfort for your children. Most often, kids find peace in homes where parents rely on God for their strength. Pray, alongside your children, for God to take care of families who are affected by misfortune and to protect your family as well.