Dear Friends,
The news of the Newtown massacre in
Connecticut shook us all. Becky (my ministry partner) and I are heart-broken for each family directly
affected by the shooting. We mourn with you. We pray for you. We are both in a place of disbelief – nothing
is sacred or off limits to evil.
Becky and I are both former
elementary school teachers and more importantly both moms. This news takes a
direct hit to our hearts. In our grief we want to reach out and help.
We have come up with a short list
of six actions parents can implement during this terrible time.
1. Turn off the television. It adds to the anxiety.
2. Be calm and be present with your children. Their
world has been rocked. They are looking to mom and dad to provide the security that
has just been shaken. It is appropriate and
good for your kids to see you are saddened by this but avoid showing BIG emotion.
3. Don’t feed their fear, try to quell it. Maintain
your normal routine but be sensitive. If your child is afraid make reasonable accommodations.
4. Be honest about the event but be wise in how
much you share. You are the parent.You know your child best. Take his age and
personality into consideration. Listen
to his questions and answer what has been asked, avoid giving lots of detail.
Listening is more important than talking.
5. If you can move your child to the place of
helping others, he will be less likely to fearfully focus on his own situation.
(Possibly raising money to help remodel
the school.)
6. Pray with your child. Take your concerns to the
Lord.
Hang with your kids and hug your kids.
They need your time
and your affection. Just between us
parents, the awful truth is we can’t always keep our kids physically safe so we
must make sure they are ready…spiritually ready. Invite Jesus into your home today.
For God so loved the world...
For God so loved the world...
Shalom,
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