May 1, 2000
FAMILY MATTERS:
Elian's story leaves children frightened
___Media coverage of recent events in Miami has caused our son to become afraid, especially at night. He wants to know if someone is going to come into his house with a gun and take him away. How can we help him feel secure?
KAY TOWERS
Program Coordinator
LifeWay Fellowship, Killeen
___Fear is a natural part of a child's development, but the graphic events to which you refer certainly have caused great concern among children and their parents. The first picture the public saw of the young child's face vividly showed fear. This picture is hard to erase from the mind. It is difficult to know what children who saw those early pictures thought.
___It is encouraging that your son is talking about it with you. As long as the communication lines are open, you will be able to discover his thoughts and help him work through the fears.
___Tell your son the situation he saw was unusual and not something that happens under normal conditions. To the extent he can understand, explain the history that led up to the dramatic event--the little boy's traumatic boat accident and the family members in Miami who cared for him for five months while his father, who lived in another country, tried to come to this country to be reunited with him. Explain that the people who came in and took him were taking him to his father. Make sure your son sees the pictures of the child with his father. Compare the facial expressions in the two pictures. Ask your son to describe how he thinks the boy feels.
___Reassure you son he lives with parents who love him. Remind him you both are going to take care of him and protect him. Explain to him the circumstances he saw on television do not exist in his life. Affirm your child for expressing his feelings. Make sure he understands you always are willing to listen to him and what he thinks and feels is important to you.
___Talk with him about times when you are afraid and how you deal with those fears. Tell him God loves him and cares for him. Recount times in the past when he was afraid, and help him realize he came through those difficult periods. In Hebrews 13:6, we read that God helps us and we don't have to be afraid. Remind him he can talk to God, and God hears his prayers. Sharing God's love and protection can be a great source of comfort. Let him hear you pray for him. Continue reassuring him as the events are recounted.
___
Send this story to a friend
Contents/ Masthead / Why We're Here / Links / Archive / E-mail us/ SUBSCRIBE!
