I thought about writing about this several months ago when a widely-publicized disaster happened, but I waited a bit too late. I did have the thought that it probably wouldn’t be long until something else tragic happened. Unfortunately, I was right. Not only have we had one horrific thing happen, but at least two come right to mind from the last couple of weeks. You may have had disaster strike on a local or more personal level too.
Disaster is bad enough on a personal level. But what should we tell our kids when disaster strikes?
What Do We Tell Our Kids When Faced with Disaster?
When the world goes crazy, what do you tell your kids? Do we use this opportunity to point out sin or point fingers? Or do we just ignore it altogether? Some of us may be torn based on our beliefs, but God is very clear.
As with everything else, we can look to the Word for the answers. Disaster will strike again. It’s important for us to consider so we will be prepared. I could write out a list of things to do, but God has already done that for us. Here it is (with my emphasis)…
Marks of the True Christian
9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it[i] to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12: 9-21 ESV
Be the Example
Your children learn by YOUR example. You are the primary influence in your child’s life. Click To TweetOur children learn by example. More specifically, your children learn by YOUR example. You are the primary influence in your child’s life. Follow the Bible and simply do what it says.
- Watch what you say. Don’t talk badly about others and place blame. If your child hears about a situation, or if you think it is important for them to know about, take the time to talk to them about it. Don’t let others form their opinions.
- Jump in and help where you can when disaster strikes.
- Even if you don’t know what to DO, you can always set aside time to pray for the situation. Don’t just pray alone, but pray with your children.
Everyone would love to live in a world where disasters never happen, but unfortunately we live in a fallen world. One day God will come to restore it. Until then, we are called to be the hands and feet of Christ. THAT is what we should do, and teach our kids to do, in the face of disaster.
We are called to be the hands and feet of Christ. THAT is what we should do. Click To TweetYou Aren’t Alone
I leave you with a great example of showing the kind of love described in Romans 12. Check out what Chick Fil A did in the face of recent disaster. They followed the example of Christ, as should we. It is important to remember that good deeds are often not publicized by the media. When we are afraid that the world has gone mad, remember that there are others who are also still fighting for the cause of Christ. We can still make a difference in the world–even in the face of disaster.
Have you discussed recent disasters with your children? What advice do you have to help children deal with disasters?
I am very honest with my kids. I think they deserve to know what’s going on.
I have not discussed any recent disasters with them. I have thought about it, but not sure how to approach it.
I totally agree that it’s up to the parents to set the example for their kids. Unfortunately, so many kids don’t have a good example. 🙁
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Thanks for sharing. I don’t have kids, but I can only imagine how hard it must be to explain difficult situations to them.
Nellwyn | http://www.thecardinalpress.com
I try to shield my children from disasters and tragedies, but with it all over the news & on everyone’s lips it’s almost impossible. It breaks my heart to know her awareness now includes such knowledge.
I know what you mean. My little girl heard about the alligator. She fell apart when they found the little boy. 🙁
I love the whole tone of this post. The words, “Don’t let others form their opinions.” I believe it’s a responsibility of parents to fill their hearts with truth so when the devil tries to fill them with questions, the answers will already be there.
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I hate this is a topic that needs to be addressed in our society today, but it absolutely does and you did it so well! I also loved what Chic Fil A did!!
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I generally let the kids take the lead. They seem to ask as much as they’re able to take in, and I go with it.
My kids are teens and it crazy how many disasters I’ve had to discuss with them in their lifetime. Back when internet wasn’t a thing, we didn’t have to talk to kids about very incident, but now they’ll see it online so you must.
Dealing with complex issues around children requires a lot of wisdom. Great advice!
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I am always both encouraged and overwhelmed by Romans 12. I think it’s my favorite chapter of the bible. It is literally a catalyst for christian living.
Being honest with your children, and yes absolutely being the example and always using scripture as the basis for your teaching, advice and forming opinions will help to grow responsible adults who love the Word of God.
Nice, I love your post. I will follow this even my son is still little. I want to discuss to him serious things such as disaster even at his young age.
I don’t have any children–nor am I Christian. I do believe in honesty and would discuss it with any children–but since I tend not to place blame—it would be in a way that they could understand.
Growing up my parents always talked to me about what was going on in the world. I hope to do the same.
Im just honest with them and answer any question they have.
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I love how Chick Fil A responded! They did a great job of living the hands and feet of Christ! I love that they set aside the Sabbath “law” and prioritized loving others! I think that was a great example for us to look to. Especially in light of the fact that Chick Fil A has been very pro-traditional values. It was so great for them to show that you can disagree with someone and still love them.
my 3 year old copies everyone so we have to be careful what we say and do at all times
Great post. I think that “marks of the true Christian” passage should be required memorization for everyone who says they follow Christ! What grieves me is that we live in a world where people pull out their cell phones not to call for emergency help, but to video something in the hopes that it will become viral. This is not human.
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Such a great post! It is very thought provoking. Our kids are still really young so it isn’t something I have had to worry about yet.
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Kids copy what parents do – so if we are prepared…
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I think the best way is to start an open dialogue. Don’t lead the conversation, let them steer it towards their concerns.
I think it’s definitely a good idea to set a good example for kids, and while I think there are some things that might be better off not discussed until a little later (if they’re way too young!), I do think it’s important to talk about it eventually!
I totally agree. You just have to know your kids.