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Little Kids Can Have Big Fears—Let’s Show Them a Bigger God

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By Jaclyn Warren

Child sitting in doctor's office while wearing a mask — Image via Jaclyn Warren

“Mommy, I’m shaking.”

His little hands gripped the handlebars as he pushed his bicycle up the hill and away from the loud barking.

The big dog that got loose yesterday was outside again, and my son was literally trembling at the thought of being attacked.

I tried reassuring him.

I got close by to protect him.

Yet, he couldn’t seem to shake the memory of that dog sprinting towards him. He couldn’t forget how helpless he felt.

And that’s the emotion many of us are feeling these days.

Helplessness.

We have identified a predator—this pandemic.

We are afraid to get too close.

And our kids are noticing all of it.

RELATED: Here’s To the Kids Missing the Little Things

The empty spaces.

The canceled events.

The face masks.

So the question is, what can we do when our little kids are facing big fears? What can we do when their experiences have left them shaken and trembling?

I believe the answer is the same for them as it is for you and me.

We talk about it.

And seek help.

And seek peace.

RELATED: Fear Travels Fast, But Faith Travels Faster

I’m not a pediatrician or psychologist, but I do believe that when Jesus said to bring the little children unto Him, He was talking about my kids, too.

So, we start by discussing God’s promises to strengthen us and be with us.

We read how God performs mighty miracles in the face of giants and lions and fire.

We study how God is in control and how we can trust His plan to rescue us.

We deepen our friendship with Jesus by opening our Bibles.

At the end of the day, I don’t want my children struggling with nightmares or worry. Not about a big dog or about germs you cannot see.

RELATED: Jesus is Here

And as an adult who takes anxiety medication myself, I am well aware of the stress and damage panic can cause.

So, I want to make every effort to equip our kids with the armor they really need to withstand the attacks we’re all facing.

We are living in uncertain times.

But I want our kids to know the security found in God’s word.

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Stay-at-home mommy of four on mission to encourage parents to savor the meaningful in the midst of the messy. Take your 15 minutes; it’s your turn for timeout. You can find her at www.mommys15minutes.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Mommys15Minutes-543229312706302/.

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And that’s the emotion many of us are feeling these days.

RELATED: Here’s To the Kids Missing the Little Things

We talk about it.

RELATED: Fear Travels Fast, But Faith Travels Faster

We deepen our friendship with Jesus by opening our Bibles.

RELATED: Jesus is Here

If you liked this, you'll love our book, SO GOD MADE A GRANDMA

Jaclyn Warren

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In Praise of Indebtedness: How Threads of Reciprocity Weave Us Together

Get It Now

So God Made a Mother

Little Kids Can Have Big Fears—Let’s Show Them a Bigger God

And that’s the emotion many of us are feeling these days.

We talk about it.

We deepen our friendship with Jesus by opening our Bibles.

If you liked this, you'll love our book, SO GOD MADE A GRANDMA

Your Worth Is Not Someone Else’s To Measure

Lord, Give Me Faith Like Hannah

God Carries Me Through the Deep Waters of Change

Faith After a Rare Disease Diagnosis

What If I Don’t Hear God’s Voice?

God Holds You As You Hold Everyone Else

Yes, I Know Fear—but I Also Know Faith

10 Years after My Mother’s Death, Her Faith Still Guides Me

Finding God in the Middle of Disbelief: A Mom’s Journey through Faith and Fear

In Praise of Indebtedness: How Threads of Reciprocity Weave Us Together

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