Dear Lord, be with us today
and always. Give us strength to face all challenges with love and
with courage. Be with us as we heal in a hurting world.
In Christ’s name,
Amen.
Even those not directly affected by the
disaster will face images of devastation in the media and wonder what they might
do to help.
Children and young people are not
immune from the effects of a disaster. While some children may lose their homes
or experience disruption of their lives, many other children will see or hear
about the effects of the event .
Listen
If a child wants to
talk about experiences or something he or she has seen on television, take time
to listen to the story the child wants to tell or emotions or thoughts the child
needs to express.
Take Prayer
Requests
If you are working
with children in Sunday School, youth group, or other church gatherings, ask
children whom or what they would like to pray about. Take their prayer requests
seriously; some children may need to share concerns for family, friends, pets,
and places affected by the disaster.
Listen attentively
to each prayer request. You
might repeat the request by saying, for example, “I pray that Will’s family is
able to replace their roof soon.”
If a child does NOT
have a prayer request, do not in any way force the child to make a request. You
may, however, respond by saying, for example, “we pray for Catherine and her
family.” If the child later indicates that he or she would like to make a prayer
request, please return to that child when appropriate.
Acknowledge
Emotions
Appreciate that
anger at God and even doubt is normal in times like these. For now, focus on
assuring the child that he or she is safe and that you will get through any
crisis together. Don’t try to “fix” children’s emotions. Simply provide a safe
place for children to express their emotions.
Be honest. Do not
sugar-coat a situation or tell a child “everything will be fine” unless you can
realistically say this. Give your child age-appropriate information about what
has happened without overdramatizing the situation.
Practice patience.
Children who have experienced disaster-related stress often regress in their
development. Small children may even regress in their potty training. Outbursts
or tantrums may occur. These are normal reactions. Be understanding and stay
calm.
Encourage teens and
older children to check in with their friends. Social interaction with friends
will help teens find comfort and stay connected with their peer
group.
Expressive
Outlets
Encourage children
to draw or write as a means of expressing themselves.
Help Kids Help
Children often feel
empowered and more confident if they can “do” something. Consider making cards
of encouragement for those affected by disaster or for first responders and
relief workers. Youth groups or older children might organize a fundraiser for
those in need.
Turn Off the
News
Limit exposure to
media reports of the disaster.
Provide Quite
Space
Provide a quiet and
calm place for children to play. Teach self-soothing techniques such as taking
deep breaths and spending time in silence.