Family life has its fair share of challenges, and an unexpected crisis can knock us flat.  Sometimes these things can threaten the unity of our family itself.  Illness, a broken marriage, job loss and financial problems all bring uncertainty and anxiety.  Even positive changes such as a new baby or a planned move can disrupt schedules and affect our relationships with each other and with God.  Children often know just enough of what is going on in your family to make them worry.  And although you can’t control everything that comes your family’s way, you can minimize the impact of stress and change on the children.  Be sure to explain what is happening in kid-friendly terms during a difficult period.  Reassure them that with God’s help, we will get through the situation.
 
And remember that children have three primary needs:

1. Consistent Relationships — When life gets tough, your children need reassurance and familiarity.  Model the positive qualities of God who’s consistently present, unconditionally accepting, attentive, affirming and reliable.  Surround them with other adults and even youth who believe in them and will give them extra care during these times.
2. Consistent Boundaries and Structure — Keeping the same rules and schedules, as much as possible, helps children feel safe.  When new or different situations arise, let kids know ahead of time what to expect and how long a new scenario might last.  Then allow for extra and sometimes extreme emotions to come out, but stay true to your normal rules.  We have a tendency to get lenient on rules when we feel bad for children, but consistent boundaries really help children feel secure.  So, allow them to express themselves in new ways if they need, but hold them to the usual rules.
3. A Safe Place — Children need an accepting place where they can talk about what’s happening in their lives.  Be real and encourage kids to open up about their thoughts and emotions.  Again, allow them to spend time with friends, other families who you trust and in the home church.  Name the people in their lives who they can talk to if they do not want to share with you, and let them know that it is ok to do so.

Remember to pray.  Ask God:

• To protect your family members and their faith during challenging times.
• To make His love real to you during life’s difficulties.
• To help you trust Him and cast all your cares on Him.
• To surround your family with loving, caring people who will help you and your children through this difficult phase.