Children's Ministry

Dear Parents of RPC Children,

In light of the recent attacks in Paris and other places around the world, I wanted to take a moment to offer some helpful tips on dealing with these issues with your children. What is happening is hard enough for an adult to understand and to talk to children about it can be a daunting task. If you are feeling this way, you are not alone. Parents across the world are struggling with this very thing, and there is no magic way to handle it. In an effort to navigate this difficult situation, I've done some research on the best practices to help guide parents through this.

There are two common themes in the research I’ve done. One is that you know your child best. You know their personality, their needs, and their fears. As their parent, you know best what they can and cannot handle when it comes to information like this. The other is that just by being present with your child and spending time with them can help you better know what they are thinking and feeling. This time with you can help them feel more secure. However, I know it can be hard to figure out if and when it is helpful to talk with your children and what exactly to share. It can also be difficult to be in total control of what your children hear 24 hours a day. They go to school, they ride the bus, they overhear adults or the news, and they have questions. Therefore, I have included links below to a few of the most helpful articles/resources I’ve found and I hope they will be helpful to you too if you need them.

In this time of fear and uncertainty, I am comforted by the words of Psalm 23:4, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me….” God is with us even in the darkest of valleys. Let us hold onto that and continue to pray for our world and all those in it.

Please feel free to reach out if you need additional resources or support.

Grace and Peace,

Carrie

Carrie Weatherford

Director of Children and Family Ministries

Roswell Presbyterian Church

755 Mimosa Blvd, Roswell, GA 30075

770-649-4533, Direct Line

www.roswellpres.org

Links to Resources

· http://time.com/4112751/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-the-attacks-in-paris/#4112751/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-the-attacks-in-paris/

· http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/helping-children-cope/art-20047029?pg=1