Photo by Joseph Gonzalez on Unsplash
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Having Meaningful Conversations
When the World Seems Dark, Scary, or Confusing Children should be welcomed into a world of love. We want to keep them protected and innocent for as long as we can, but sometimes the world interrupts that innocence. The news is overwhelming today - natural disasters, political polarity/animosity, and stories of horrific violence, or sexual harassment. We live in a world where it is difficult to filter what they are exposed to. What can we do? Here are some tips to help us navigate families through these difficult times/topics. We've gathered advice from experienced parents, psychologists, physicians, and other professionals, that we hope helps parents and guardians have those difficult conversations. “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” ~ Mr. Fred Rogers |
Talking to Kids and Teens about Tragedy, Violence, RACISM, and PandemicS
Praying Through Tragedies and Disasters and Pandemics
Talking to Kids about Really Tough Topics
- Child Sexual Abuse, #MeToo, Pornography & Clerical Sexual Abuse
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The Clerical Sex Abuse Scandal: What Parents Can Do, and How to Talk with Kids (Peanut Butter & Grace)
Darkness to Light: End Child Sexual Abuse (Darkness to Light) Create in Me a Clean Heart: A Pastoral Response to Pornography (US Bishops) Safe Haven Sunday (Covenant Eyes) Resources for Implementing the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Create in Me a Clean Heart: A Pastoral Response to Pornography. Connect with Me Activity Cards (MO Dept of Health) Talking with teens may not always be easy, but most adults agree it is important to have meaningful conversations with young people. The more resources you have to help communicate, the more prepared and comfortable you both are for the highs and lows of adolescence. The Connect with Me cards are a great tool to strengthen the connections and help start meaningful conversations between youth and adults. And they are free! Parenting in the Age of Weinstein (Patheos) Families and #Metoo (Rethink Church) Raising Sons - As a Mother of Two Sons, My Take on #Metoo (Red-letter Christians) |
Remind children of your love for them. Be the light.
Studies tell us that being exposed to so many stories of violence, grief, and loss can lead to us feeling numb. Prayer empowers us to remember that though there is darkness, there is light. Practice empathy. Encourage empathy in your children so they do not become numb to the need for hope around us. Be the change that you wish to see in the world. ~ Mahatma Gandhi If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other. ~ Saint Mother Teresa |