Peace in Times of Peril
One of the vital functions of families is to maintain havens of peace and security in an unstable world. Our job as parents and grandparents is to filter what our children are exposed to and maintain a spirit of peace and stability in our homes as much as possible. Here are some quick reminders:
Your face should radiate calmness and peace to your children and family most of the time—especially in moments of potential tension. Keep your face calm. If you do this, it will follow that your words will also become more calm.
Exercise Discretion. We should work to reassure our children, not alarm them. Young children do not need to know the gory details (or even the general details) of most of the depraved acts committed across the world. And we do not need to watch them ad nauseum either. Resist the urge to show your children alarming videos or to watch them in their presence. Turn off phones and other devices that deliver near constant doom and gloom.
When tragedy strikes, discuss ways to take helpful action. For instance, if there’s a tornado in a neighboring state and people’s homes were destroyed, talk about how you can help such as gathering needed items, donating money to credible organizations, and praying for those who have been affected.
Amid the conflicts that will continue to rage, our children need to know that the world holds goodness for them and that their parents are going to continue to feed, clothe, protect, and cuddle them—with a pleasant look on their faces while they do it—no matter what.
With love,
Kimberly
* This post is adapted from my previous article, Havens of Peace.