“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God,” Psalm 42:5a

Since hearing the news of the most recent natural disasters, I have been thinking about how we talk with children about tragedy. The media bombards us with so many pictures and videos of devastation that I have felt overwhelmed by the magnitude of these tragedies. As a parent, I wonder how our children cope with these catastrophes? In this information age with all of the media coverage, it is likely that only the youngest of children are sheltered from seeing or hearing information following natural disasters. In my opinion, what is shown is often more frightening than informative. Parents can play a vital role in helping their kids cope. To help you help your kids, I have borrowed some ideas from Jim Burns (President of HomeWord) that I hope you find helpful.

1. Be willing to discuss natural disasters with your kids. Helping your kids cope with the natural disasters starts with being willing to talk about the tragedy with them. Children, particularly younger ones, may be frightened by tragedies, wondering if something similar could happen to them. Talk with them, in an age-appropriate way, about what has happened and help to answer their questions and calm their fears.

2. Tell them the truth. Honesty is the best policy. Yet, honesty does not mean that you need to share every gruesome detail of the devastation with your kids only causing them to become frightened rather than informed.

3. Shelter your kids from graphic video and pictures. In our "24/7 live" news coverage from around the world, be aware that the graphic, often disturbing video and pictures being shown. These images do not need to be part of conveying the "news" of what is happening - to your children. My advice is that when natural disasters strike, especially in the immediate aftermath; keep the television news programs off when your kids are around.

4. Reassure your kids - as best you can. Since we do not have control over natural disasters like tsunamis, hurricanes, earthquakes, or other natural disasters, as parents, we should not promise a child that we will protect them from any harm that a catastrophe may bring. Our job here is to reassure them as best we can. If kids are worried about something bad occurring, we can reassure them, "Mom and dad will do everything we can to always make sure you are safe from harm."

5. Don't ignore the spiritual issues. If you have ever wondered about what your kids think about God or faith in Christ, you will probably find out in the wake of a disaster. Be prepared for questions about God and life (like "Why did God let so many people die?") that you may never had heard from your child before. Kids really do want to talk about theological issues. Sometimes it takes a crisis to bring those questions to the forefront. Be ready. Do not be surprised. Moreover, if you do not have all of the answers, that is okay. Work to help your kids (and maybe even yourself!) search for the answers.

6. Look for signs of "Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder" in your kids. It is not uncommon for kids to suffer in varying degrees from "Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder" (PTSD) after such large tragedies. Changes in your child's behavior such as regressing to more childlike behavior, acting out, withdrawal, difficulty sleeping, nightmares, fear of a specific disaster may all be signs that your child is suffering from PTSD. If these symptoms do not resolve themselves, seek the help of a professional Christian counselor.

7. Pray for those whose lives have been impacted by the disaster. If your family does not have a regular family prayer time, I would encourage you to start one. Focus on praying for all those whose lives have been impacted by the tragedy. Praying as a family for these people also reinforces with your kids your own belief in God's love and His power to care and heal those who have been hurt.

8. Give. As a family, find a way to give something - anything - to help people in need. Giving to those in need is a spiritual response. The call to Christ is the call to serve. Giving helps, your kids learn to cope with tragedy by serving and helping those in need. Giving gives them some tangible way to respond. Your giving does not have to be limited to money. Typically, following a natural disaster, all kinds of supplies and food are needed.

Thanks for reading!