Talking to Children About Las Vegas (Post #403)

The horror we've witnessed this week in Las Vegas is mind-boggling to healthy adults. For children bombarded with these scenes of terror, the fear can be overwhelming. What can we, as parents and role models, do to help our children cope?

Make time to listen. Youngsters need to know you have time to listen and a heart to care. Help them talk. With our 24-hour news cycle, the murderous scenes are practically unavoidable. They are already burned into our minds. Imagine how children may struggle to make sense of that. As adults, we should assume that children are effected by those images.

Young children may not be able to articulate their fears. Children from 2-5 may need parents to simply reassure them that they are doing everything they can to keep them safe. Young children cannot conceive life without mom & dad. Thinking about losing them is the same as thinking of death. Young children just need to know that home is still a safe place to be.

Children from 5-9 begin to recognize that the outside world can be a dangerous place. They begin to understand the concepts of death and loss. Do not try to sweep their concerns under the rug. Deal with them honestly. Adults can say these images disturb them too, but point to the shelter that God alone provides. Children this age can learn to pray for comfort for those that mourn, and safety for those who need protection.

Older children (10+) are becoming aware of the realities of death. They know that parents and loved ones are going to die. They are beginning to realize that they, too, are mortal and must face death one day. Yet we are not powerless victims. We do not have to remain mired in fear and negativity. Your actions are often more important than your words for the children who love you. For older children it may be important to have a positive response to the madness. Hold a candlelight prayer vigil at home. Send cards of comfort to the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas.

Teens are even more prone to feel that life makes no sense and hope is pointless. They can understand more symbolic ways to shine light in the darkness. Take sandwiches to the park and give them away. Serve at the homeless shelter. Start a coat drive at school. Get involved with Habitat or Rebuilding America to strike a hammer blow for Christ. Show that the darkness is not going to win.

For children (and adults) of any age, the most important response to this madness is faith. The world cannot give a healthy mind, a wealthy soul, or a satisfied spirit. Only God can. In a world gone mad, we are locked in a life-and-death battle--and we are for life.