Calming our kids in a scary world

By Rod Anderson, CP Cartoonist Tuesday, February 02, 2021

As parents, we want our children to be informed about the world around them yet recognize that images and sounds from the news can have a deeply negative impact on them. And as Christian parents, we recognize all the more our responsibility to help guard the minds of our little ones.

Violent or controversial imagery in media affects young people much differently, and more significantly, than adults. This is an increased risk right now as children are watching more media at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A recent survey of parents showed a 500% increase in the number of kids who spend six hours or more per day watching screens.

In my training and work as a counselor and educator, I’ve studied tools for helping children interpret their world in ways that make sense and are constructive to their development. Images of violence and chaos make an impression on our kids, but we can help them process what they’re taking in and set it in the light of biblical truth.