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July 13, 2016
Title: Talking to Your Kids about Bad Things that Happen
Topic: Bad Things Happen to Good People
Discussed by Dr. Daniel Huerta
with Focus on the Family www.Family.org
Life, with all its ups and downs and twists and turns, is hard enough for adults. When breaking news interrupts our daily lives with reports of police shootings and the shootings of police officers, what do we tell our children?
Danny Huerta is a counselor with Focus on the Family. Violence and racism are unfortunately a part of our society. He believes it is very important for parents to be sensitive to their children who may be scared after hearing of the shootings that have occurred recently.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
Our children and grandchildren may overhear us talking about the recent shootings. If we are troubled, aren’t
our children, too? First, we must learn to cope with the sadness, anger, and confusion ourselves before we begin to explain the situation to our kids. Listen in as Danny offers suggestions for adults.
Explaining violence and racism to kids is often avoided or tackled at the wrong time. Danny discusses the appropriate time, age, and how much should be shared; a lot depends on your child’s maturity.
Editor’s Note: It is also important to focus on the positive. Mr. Rogers once stated: “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.' To this day, especially in times of 'disaster,' I remember my mother's words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world."
How should we respond when someone asks “Why do bad things happen?”
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April 21, 2016
Title: Why do Bad Things Happen?
Topic: Bad Things Happen to Good People
Discussed by Rabbi Yonason Goldson
with Rabbi Yonason Goldson (www.yonasongoldson.com)
Why is there evil in the world? The Michigan shooter
drove through the streets of Kalamazoo for seven hours, killing and wounding
random people – all while still working his job as an Uber driver. How can
someone do this? How can they be so cold – so heartless? How can one have faith
in God when you witness such awful, horrid behavior?
Rabbi Yonason Goldson is the author of “Proverbial Beauty” and has been
speaking on social and political issues for decades. He an interesting
commentary on his website about the recent Michigan shootings and the
issue of faith. Rabbi Goldson discusses the age-old question: “Why is there
evil in the world?” First, he says, “This is one of the most
persistent, philosophical questions that have challenged thinkers since the
beginning of time…The classic approach to this is found in the book of Job.”
Listen in as Rabbi Goldson reminds us of the story.
Rabbi Goldson also makes this statement, which is absolutely true: “We all
get religious when things go wrong.” When things are going well, no one
ever goes to their pastor or Rabbi asking, “Why are things so great right
now?” Everyone always wonders why things are going wrong. He goes on to say
in response to the “free will” debate: “There has to be the appearance of
evil so we can recognize that there is a higher reason to do good than simply
because we will be rewarded for it.”
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February 29, 2016
Title: Why do Bad Things Happen?
Topic: Bad Things Happen to Good People
Discussed by Rabbi Yonason Goldson
with Rabbi Yonason Goldson (www.yonasongoldson.com)
Why is there evil in the world? The Michigan shooter
drove through the streets of Kalamazoo for seven hours, killing and wounding
random people – all while still working his job as an Uber driver. How can
someone do this? How can they be so cold – so heartless? How can one have faith
in God when you witness such awful, horrid behavior?
Rabbi Yonason Goldson is the author of “Proverbial Beauty” and has been
speaking on social and political issues for decades. He an interesting
commentary on his website about the recent Michigan shootings and the
issue of faith. Rabbi Goldson discusses the age-old question: “Why is there
evil in the world?” First, he says, “This is one of the most
persistent, philosophical questions that have challenged thinkers since the
beginning of time…The classic approach to this is found in the book of Job.”
Listen in as Rabbi Goldson reminds us of the story.
Rabbi Goldson also makes this statement, which is absolutely true: “We all
get religious when things go wrong.” When things are going well, no one
ever goes to their pastor or Rabbi asking, “Why are things so great right
now?” Everyone always wonders why things are going wrong. He goes on to say
in response to the “free will” debate: “There has to be the appearance of
evil so we can recognize that there is a higher reason to do good than simply
because we will be rewarded for it.”
More from this Guest More on this Topic More from this Organization
November 30, 2015
Title: Telling your Children the Bad News of the World
Topic: Bad Things Happen to Good People
Discussed by Dr. Daniel Huerta
with Focus on the Family www.Family.org
“From the beginning of time, God has responded to evil by bringing His presence through the kindness of other people, through reconciliation, and through restoration,”
Danny Huerta, Focus on the Family.
It is hard to talk to our kids about bad things that happen in this world, whether it be terrorist attacks, war, death, or natural disasters. We shouldn’t shy away from the topic, though. Kids need to know that there is a loving, caring God that still holds His children in the palm of His hand. He cares for all His creation – even the “bad guys”.
Danny Huerta is a counselor with Focus on the Family. Regarding the Paris attacks and other events around the world, he says, “Parents must look at their own emotional state first before they share the news with their children. Sometimes they (parents) will overshare out of their own anxiety.” Listen in as Danny shares suggestions on how to share bad news with children depending on their age.
How are parents to approach events which happen close to home, though? Danny says, “Initially you want to listen and affirm that their anxiety is understandable. Let them talk through their feelings.” He goes on to explain that younger children will often “move forward” after they hear bad news from a different area of the country or the world. However, if the child witnesses a tragic accident or a loved ones dies, they might need more time to process the information.
If you would like more advice on how to talk to your kids about “bad things” or if your child is exhibiting emotional instability after a tragic event, please call Focus on the Family at 1.800.A.FAMILY to seek advice and help in your area.
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