"Tornadoes heading to the area"
"Terrorists beheading Christians"
“Meteors falling from the sky”
“Escaped convict on the loose”
“Local gas station robbed”
“A wife or mother murdered”
“Shooting at a school”
“Body found in Local Park.....”
These are just a few current news headlines from the local news. Parents are uneasy when they hear these types of news stories being broadcast by the media; children can be absolutely terrified by them.
As parents what can you do to ease their fears?
First, talk to your child. Asking simple questions like, “how are you feeling right now; sad, angry or scared?” or “What made you feel that way?” Then follow up with reassuring comments that reassure them that what they feel is normal and then calmly share how you feel about the event.
A healthy example; if you child states that he is scared of meteor‘s because he heard they are falling from the sky and crashing into houses. An appropriate and simple response would be to say that you realize that he is a scared, but meteors rarely hit the earth so it is very unlikely this will happen here. Also explain that scientists have special satellites that detect when a meteor is close to the earth and the news or radio would report to us where one may land so we could stay safe. Then take a moment to stop and pray with your child. Ask God to comfort them and protect them, to take away their fear and thank God for hearing and answering your prayers. The more reassurance you can offer, the more your child will begin to feel that he is out of harm's way.
What happens when a child’s anxiety or worry is not calmed immediately? When a child is upset by a dreadful event, such as an escaped convict in a local city, the world tends to become a scarier place to them. Reassure them that they are loved, safe, cared for and protected. At bedtime spend an extra few minutes telling them a bedtime story, reading a bible verse or singing their favorite song. Act out a tough situation with a “good” outcome. For example; the child is the police officer, you are the convict, and you pretend that you are in handcuffs and escape the room. You then paly hide and seek. Let the child find you, arrest you and place you in jail. As the child acts out the scenario he will remember the outcome and have hope that the bad guy can be caught.
What if the child’s fears continue into the next day? Parents should continue the conversation about what is bothering the child. Be willing to respond in a positive supportive manner. Never show frustration towards the child as he shares his continued concerns or fears. Don’t forget that touch is soothing, hold your child’s hand, offer a hug or pat on the back and you comfort them. Begin the day with prayer. Thank God for watching over your family through the night and for his protection this day. Thank Him for His presence and for always being near. Thank Him for loving you and your child and answering your prayers.
Fears can make a child want to stop their regular routines, such as going to school, or playing outdoors. Encouraging your child normal activity as soon as possible is important. Even if a child does not want to participate encouraging them to do so will in itself proved security because routines are recognized as safe.
How to help your child understand that bad things happen but we can heal after they do. After a period of experiencing distress, caused by a tragic event or topic, helping your child have a sense of hope and optimism is essential to them breaking free of the fear. Explaining that you believe God has a plan for your lives and that your plan is not the same as anyone else’s is a good start. Telling your child that God has a plan for each person that is not like another, that each life will be different will help them understand the event that happened to another person has experienced difficulty, may not be what God has planned for them.
Share with your child a time when you faced a fear, prayed and God helped you through a difficult circumstance. Teach your children to place their hope in God. Hope in God reassures us that we matter to God and that God cares for us. Trust God’s word, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”(Jeremiah 29:11) Having as sense of optimism teaches children that problems and tragedies are temporary. Parents, I know today’s headlines are heartbreaking and I pray that you also lean into God to uplift you and that place your hope in Him as you encourage your children.
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