2011 has been a whirlwind. Devastating tornado's and thunder storms, hunkering down in bathrooms, and basements. It's a lot to process for adults, let alone children. How do we help our children cope with these events? Read on for 10 ways to help children cope after natural disasters. We are so thankful for the outpouring of response you all shared with your donations!
10 Tips to Help Children Cope
When disaster strikes leaving devastation, it's hard not to feel frightened and uncertain. Many of our families may have been impacted directly or indirectly by the tornado that ravaged Joplin. Children can have a difficult time understanding what is happening and how to process their emotions when things have suddenly changed around them. Here are some ways you can help as parents:
1. Know where children are coming from. They tend to personalize things. Will this happen to me? Will my house be destroyed? Will I lose someone in my family or all my belongings?
2. Be aware of kid's different personality types. Some children are more prone to be sensitive and fearful. Others may not pay attention to what is going on. Knowing their personality will enable you to help them better.
3. Reassure them that disasters are rare events and they are very safe in their home.
4. Protect them from overexposure of the disaster through images on television, internet, or other media sources.
5. Remember children will watch to see how you respond to the situation. If they sense you are stressed, fearful, or anxious, they will pick up on it and mirror that response. Remain as calm as possible.
6. Under the age of 7, it is often best not to initiate a conversation about a disaster unless they become aware of it and bring it up. Answer questions calmly, clearly, and honestly, but don't go into details.
7. Remember, it's okay to say, "I don't know." If you can, find answers to their questions together.
8. Listen. Ask Questions. Listen. Ask Questions. Listen. Allow kids to express their feelings, concerns, and fears. Verbalizing what they are feeling will help them begin to process it. It the child doesn't want to verbally communicate, then encourage them to write down or draw what they are feeling.
9. Be prepared to answer the same questions several times. Children will ask questions several times when something is hard to understand or they need reassurance.
10. Pray with the child about the tragedy. Pray with simple, childlike words of faith. Give the child the opportunity to pray as well. Tell God how you are both feeling and ask for God's help to get through it.
Caretakers for Creation
This Sunday marks the last of our Green Church: Caretakers of God's Creation series for Redemption Kids. We have learned about the days of creation, animals that were created and how we are called to participate in renewing creation through recycling and reducing our waste as well as caring for the animals. Throughout we have talked about the "Great Creator and Caretaker" God and this Sunday we learn that God had other caretakers in mind as well... US! Join us as we carry this mission from church to our own homes and the world.
Next week we'll share the song we've been working on at our joint service with Broadway UMC at 10 am. Please arrive 15 minutes early to the Parlor so the children have time to practice.
Bless My Sole says Thanks!
Bless My Sole received our two huge boxes of socks and sent us a nice thank you note in return. Share this with your little sock collectors. Thanks again for all your donations!
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Dear Redemption Kids,
How we thank you for all of the beautiful new socks!
You're caring and sharing will certainly help many, many people who are having a difficult time.
We know you all spent lots of time and money to give our Bless My Sole ministry such an awesome gift. Our guests will feel very comfortable to have new socks after they feet are washed.
Please come and visit Centenary if you are ever in Richmond. Thanks again.
Love and Peace,
Centenary UMC
We hope to see you this weekend!
For more info, email our Minister with Children and Families, Breanne Zapien at kcredemption@gmail.com