by Pat Lamb (Author of: Let the Children Come; Children, Come to Me; When the Stars Fall Down; Widening the Church Doors to Teach the Narrow Way; My Thinking Book; Love is…)Books are available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and www.patlambchristianwriter.com)

Train up a child…

Helping Children with Fear

Many children have fears.  Right now, they may be having fears about what they hear adults saying about the Corona virus.  They may be having fears about changes at school. In addition, when they hear parents raise their voices to each other, they have inward fears that parents cannot or will not take care of them.

Even adults are displaying symptoms of fear concerning the Corona virus.Many are staying in and afraid to go anywhere.  Children hear adults talking about whether or not to wear masks.  To a young child, these things they hear conjure up visions in their minds of things we adults can hardly imagine.  They may think of the virus as a monster that they cannot see.  We need to be careful about not only what we say when children are listening, but also how we say it.  Since children have limited vocabularies, they often judge by tone of voice.

When children see the changes that have taken place in school, they may be afraid they might forget the new rules.  “What if I get in trouble?”  “Where is that virus?”  “What if I get sick?”  These are questions they may have in mind.  This not only affects their emotions, it also affects the learning process.  It is hard to concentrate with so much on the mind.

As simple as it may seem, one way we can help children with fear is to keep a calm voice.  Another way is for parents to give assurance to their children that they will be there to protect them as much as possible. (It is not wise to say, “Everything will be alright”,  because we don’t know that is true.  Children are smart enough to know it may not be true as well.)  Right now, it is a good idea to let the children know that most children do not get sick with the virus.  However, some will be worried about their grandmothers and grandfathers.  I suggest you let the children talk to their grandparents often, if possible.  Hearing their voices is a reassurance that they are okay.  

There are many uncertainties in life that we cannot control.  It is good that children learn this fact.  Many have found the best comfort in their prayer life and faith.  This time in our life is a good time to teach children about the love of God and that He wants the best for them.  Nevertheless, we have a choice as to our beliefs and actions because He created us that way.  There are many good programs available on the Internet for children to learn about God.  Even if church attendance is restricted at this time, there is an unlimited amount of Spiritual education available for both children and adults if we simply tap into it. 

Our lives will always have challenges and uncertainties. Some may be even worse than what we are now facing.  Helping children cope with these uncertainties is perhaps the most important thing we can do to train up our children in the way they should go.