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Thursday, 24 August 2006
September 11The Attack on America - September 11, 2001
Talk To Your Kids!
by Dr. Kevin Leman

As in any tragedy of this magnitude, much of what follows are the questions that attempt to put our families and us at ease? Questions like; why do people do these things? what should I do to protect my family? and how will this change our world?
 
These questions spring from our hearts as we try to empathize with those who are directly impacted and embrace the magnitude of these acts. As adults our mental process engages our wisdom drawn from personal experience and history itself. Then with teetering reassurance we tell ourselves that everything will be all right. When we really don’t believe it will be.

Children process things much differently, especially young children, and as wise parents we would do best to remember the following…

1.) Kids are mirrors. Their feelings and words will directly reflect ours. If you’re worried, so are they! If your caviler so are they! Be a good model for them.

2.) Kids are powerless. They rely totally upon you for reassurance and protection. Help them to see that nothing ultimately has changed; God and you are still watching over them and will protect them regardless of what others do.

3.) Kids need the truth, but not brutally so. Tell them, “There are bad people in this world, and that is why there are policemen and military. Along with Moms & Dads, it is there job to protect kids. It is our job to wise. We should not be afraid we should just be careful."

4.) Turn the TV off when thy're around! Monitor the amount of exposure you give kids to the grueling details and the media. After a while you will have heard enough, then check back later to see if there is anything new.

Finally, use this tragedy to be moved to action as a family. Because of the magnitude of this tragedy there will be several opportunities to give of yourselves.

1.) Give blood

2.) Give Money

3.) Attend church together

Let’s unite our hearts as families and as a nation to pray for and support our government and President as they weigh the matters at hand.

God Bless America,

Dr. Kevin Leman
 
 
Responding to Our Children's Needs (And Perhaps Also Our Own)
by Pastor Jane Brown

One of the most important things to remember is to be a "non-anxious presence" with your children. You can express your concern, sorrow, etc but do it with an underlying sense of non-anxiousness, calmness. This helps children get in touch with the idea we can have deep feelings but we have a foundation of stability. Your stability comes from the fact that God is our refuge and strength.

Listen
Listen to words, voice and body. Perhaps they are needing facts,perhaps they need reassurance.

Point to from whom we get strength and who we can trust
God: our refuge and strength: Psalm 46
Greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4
Affirm that you as their parent do all that you can to help them be safe, that most people are concerned about safety and well-being.

Address feelings
Move gradually from the disturbing ones that are real like sorrow and fear to hope and re-assurance.

Affirm there are no easy, pat answers
We do not understand all that happened.
We live in an imperfect world, yet God desires that we be a part of blessing and helping the world.
Some people do not chose to do that and there is hurt.
Evil acts are not God's desire: they do not reflect who he is.
God promises in the midst of evil to be present and bring a peace to us, strength and healing. John 16:33, Revelation 21:1-5

Let them verbalize prayer needs
i.e. What would be for us to say to God?
What would you like to say to God?
What would you like to pray about?

Let them know the picture that Jesus prays for us
Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25
Listen to their prayers as they share what is on their heart and pray for images of God. Help them "see" a God who comforts, has strength, who receives their feelings and offers a direction for us that is peaceful, strong and hopeful even when we don't always feel that way.

 
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