Spiritual Care for Young People in the Aftermath of Violence
Resources from our F3 Mailing Response to Tumbler Ridge
When tragedies like this occur, it can make all of us, and especially children and youth, feel afraid, anxious, confused, angry, and sad.
Young people need safe space to express those feelings, and to be assured that they are normal and natural responses. They need to know that the grownups in their life share those feelings too, including their parents, caregivers, extended family, and community of faith, including their minister/s.
And, young people need to be assured that God welcomes us and loves us, just as we are, with all our worries, fears, confusion and sadness. We can bring our whole selves to God, and God shares our feelings of deep sadness and even anger at tragic and unnecessary loss of life.
Please assure the young people in your life of your presence, your care, and your support in this time.
Here are a few resources, to help create this kind of safe space and support.
Blessings,
Rev. Michelle Slater and Lisa Munro
On behalf of the First Third Team
When tragedies like this occur, it can make all of us, and especially children and youth, feel afraid, anxious, confused, angry, and sad.
Young people need safe space to express those feelings, and to be assured that they are normal and natural responses. They need to know that the grownups in their life share those feelings too, including their parents, caregivers, extended family, and community of faith, including their minister/s.
And, young people need to be assured that God welcomes us and loves us, just as we are, with all our worries, fears, confusion and sadness. We can bring our whole selves to God, and God shares our feelings of deep sadness and even anger at tragic and unnecessary loss of life.
Please assure the young people in your life of your presence, your care, and your support in this time.
Here are a few resources, to help create this kind of safe space and support.
Blessings,
Rev. Michelle Slater and Lisa Munro
On behalf of the First Third Team
The Conversations
What matters for younger children is hearing “you are safe.”
Youth will have the need to know the facts, and may want to discuss the values and ethics that could be part of these troubling events.
The Red Cross has this resource for talking about the difficult things: Talking with children and youth about difficult things - Canadian Red Cross
What matters for younger children is hearing “you are safe.”
Youth will have the need to know the facts, and may want to discuss the values and ethics that could be part of these troubling events.
The Red Cross has this resource for talking about the difficult things: Talking with children and youth about difficult things - Canadian Red Cross
Safe Space
Creating safe space for children and youth to be their whole selves at all times can be difficult, especially when we are having a tough time along with them.
Sesame Street has this very short video that could be used to start the conversation about feeling scared:
Offering Comfort in Scary Times - Sesame Workshop
Here is a list of practices to help build a safe space.
Creating Supportive Environments When Scary Things Happen
Creating safe space for children and youth to be their whole selves at all times can be difficult, especially when we are having a tough time along with them.
Sesame Street has this very short video that could be used to start the conversation about feeling scared:
Offering Comfort in Scary Times - Sesame Workshop
Here is a list of practices to help build a safe space.
Creating Supportive Environments When Scary Things Happen
Books to share
Here is read-aloud of a book for our youngest, showing that God is with us in all our feelings
Video: God Made All Your Feelings Read Aloud Book For Toddlers, Preschoolers, and Young Children
And a couple others to share, and start a conversation. Both of these books can be found online being read aloud if they are not on your bookshelf.
Here is read-aloud of a book for our youngest, showing that God is with us in all our feelings
Video: God Made All Your Feelings Read Aloud Book For Toddlers, Preschoolers, and Young Children
And a couple others to share, and start a conversation. Both of these books can be found online being read aloud if they are not on your bookshelf.
Our Prayer
Dear God,
We are so shocked, and sad, and afraid about the deaths in Tumbler Ridge.
It is not right, and it does not make sense to us, God of Love.
We know you are grieving with us, and with the people of Tumbler Ridge.
We pray for comfort and strength for the whole community, especially for those grieving the loss of their loved ones.
Help us offer practical support and care to those who are troubled in mind, body or spirit.
Help us remember that you are always with us, surrounding us with your love, strength and encouragement.
Be with everyone who needs your presence, now more than ever.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Dear God,
We are so shocked, and sad, and afraid about the deaths in Tumbler Ridge.
It is not right, and it does not make sense to us, God of Love.
We know you are grieving with us, and with the people of Tumbler Ridge.
We pray for comfort and strength for the whole community, especially for those grieving the loss of their loved ones.
Help us offer practical support and care to those who are troubled in mind, body or spirit.
Help us remember that you are always with us, surrounding us with your love, strength and encouragement.
Be with everyone who needs your presence, now more than ever.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
