How do we make sense of our world when bad things happen? Natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and senseless acts of violence are becoming all too common. Once again, I find myself glued to the television trying to understand and absorb the tragedy and loss. As with 9/11, the more I watch and hear, the heavier the weight of sadness becomes. What is happening to our world?
News of these events are difficult for us to comprehend as adults and impossible for a child. They know something bad has happened and without the cognitive ability to understand, their imagination, fears, and anxiety take over. It is important to be mindful of the children around us and limit their exposure to media. Children are aware of more than you may realize and take their cues from you. Even school age children have trouble verbalizing their fears and emotions.
The following resources will help support you navigate these difficult times and important conversations with your children:
Talking with Your Kids about Las Vegas and Other Tragedies by Andi Fancher, HPUMC Associate Director of Family Ministries, Director of Childrens' Ministries
What Happened to My World by Jim Greenman
Talking with Children About Tragic Events - The Dougy Center for Grieving Children
News of these events are difficult for us to comprehend as adults and impossible for a child. They know something bad has happened and without the cognitive ability to understand, their imagination, fears, and anxiety take over. It is important to be mindful of the children around us and limit their exposure to media. Children are aware of more than you may realize and take their cues from you. Even school age children have trouble verbalizing their fears and emotions.
The following resources will help support you navigate these difficult times and important conversations with your children:
Talking with Your Kids about Las Vegas and Other Tragedies by Andi Fancher, HPUMC Associate Director of Family Ministries, Director of Childrens' Ministries
What Happened to My World by Jim Greenman
Talking with Children About Tragic Events - The Dougy Center for Grieving Children