Hello from Karen Whiting

When the news fills with a natural disaster it’s a good time to develop compassion in children. Show them some photos of what happened and discuss how we feel when something we like breaks. Then chat about how whole houses can break in very bad storms. They can build a tower with blocks and knock it down. They know they can build a new tower. Homes can also be rebuilt but it takes a long time and lots of money. They may want to skip a few snacks or dessert, or collect canned goods to give to people who lost their homes in a disaster.

Chat about what happens when a toilet or sink overflows, or even when a glass of water or milk spills. If it splashes on paper, the words can become blurred, and the paper may tear easily. We have to clean it up and that takes time.

Read a book on weather and storms. Light and blow out a candle or blow on a folded piece of paper to see if you have enough air power to move it. The wind can become so strong that it moves cars and roofs off houses. Reassure them it doesn’t happen often, but it causes a big mess when a gigantic storm comes. Before the storm comes people have to cover their window and prepare. Put a wall of blocks in front of the folded piece of paper. If they blow again the blocks it’s harder to move the paper unless they blow hard enough to knock over the blocks. People also need to store up foods that don’t need to be cooked and clean water in case the electricity goes off.

Help a child empathize. Read a story like Alexander and the very bad terrible day or a child’s version of the book of Job. Discuss some of their bad days. That helps them connect to children who have a bad time with a storm. Talk about what helps them feel better when things go wrong. Take time to pray for children who lost all their toys and books and clothes in the disaster.

Also discuss how people can get hurt in a disaster and may need first aid. Show your child your first aid kit and how to use the items in it. Give them some scraps of fabric to practice badging up a stuffed animal or doll. Have them practice saying comforting words to their animal or doll. Read a Psalm 23 and talk about how God comforts us and gave us many passages in the Bible to remind us he is with us and cares for us.If you know someone who had a hard time with a storm let your child write a letter or draw a picture to send them comfort.

As difficult as disasters are for the people impacted, you can use them to increase your child’s empathy and help them be prepared in case they ever face an emergency or disaster.

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If you want more stories and ways to help children with building character traits, check out 52 Weekly Devotions for Busy Families, a book I wrote.

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Blessings,

Karen