1.TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF SO YOU CAN SUPPORT CHILDREN

• When the stress is too much, take 30 seconds for yourself.

• Listen to your breath as it goes in and out.

• You can put a hand on your stomach and feel it rise and fall with each breath.

• Then just listen to your breath for a while.

• Try this every day. You are amazing.

  "I am with you always" (Matthew 28:20)

  Remember that God is with you - it's the most frequent promise of God in the Bible.

  2. PRACTICAL WAYS TO HELP US COPE

• Even when it feels hard, try to have some daily routines for yourself.

• Routines help children feel safe. If you can, do daily routines like meals or schoolwork.

• Helping someone else can make you feel better too.

• Our children learn calm and kindness from us.

  "Do not fear, for I am with you...

  I will strengthen you and help you." (Isaiah 41:10)

  God promises to be with us and help us. He can help you cope.

   

  3. HELP CHILDREN COPE WITH CRISIS

• Children may be scared, confused and angry. They need your support.

• Listen to children when they share how they are feeling.

• Accept how they feel and give them comfort. Be honest but try to stay positive.

• Every evening, praise children and yourself for something.

  [God] comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God."

  (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

  Ask God to give you the strength you need to provide the support your children need.

  4. 5 MINUTES OF POSITIVE TIME WITH CHILDREN

  • Ask children what they would like to do.

  • Listen to them, look at them.

  • Give them your full attention.

  • Playing with and talking to children every day helps them feel secure.

  "Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me". (Matthew 19:14)

  Our time and attention are great gifts we can give children.

   

  5. COPING WITH STRESS, UPSET AND ANGER

  • Find someone who you can talk to about how you are feelings

  • Losing your temper? Give yourself a 10-second pause.

  • Breathe in and out slowly five times. Then try to respond in a calmer way.

  • Be proud of yourself every time you try this.

  "Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray.” (James 5:13)

  Pause. Say a prayer and ask God to give you the strength you need for this moment.

  6. SMALL THINGS HELP KEEP CHILDREN SAFE

• Make plans with children about practical ways to keep safe.

• Try to keep children with parents, family or friends you trust.

• Make a plan together for what to do if you are separated.

• Planning with children helps them feel safer too.

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.” (Psalm 32:8a)

You can ask God to guide you as you make plans to stay safe.

7. BUILDING CHILDREN'S STRENGTH IN A CRISIS

• Ask children to help with family tasks

• Praise children for trying or doing well.

• This will help them do good things again.

• Praising children shows them that you notice and care.

  "Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” (Proverbs 12:25)

It times of great anxiety, kind words of praise are very important.