The global pandemic took a toll on our mental and emotional well-being. Adults and young individuals alike struggle to find meaning and purpose in these trying times. Parents’ topmost priority is protecting their children from the virus while also ensuring that their kids grow up with a strong foundation of faith. We all want to do everything we can to keep our children safe and healthy.
But in the midst of this global pandemic, it can feel like there’s nothing we can do to protect them from the risks that come with being exposed to COVID-19. The past year has been challenging for everyone, but it has been especially challenging for children. With schools closed and many extracurricular activities canceled, kids have had to find new ways to stay occupied.
This can be difficult for parents as they try to help their children navigate these uncertain times. It is natural to feel helpless in such a global crisis. However, we have an additional weapon at our disposal as Christian parents — faith. Even in adversity, we can instill a sense of hope and optimism in our children by strengthening their faith.
Strengthening your child’s faith
Strengthening your child’s faith is one of the best ways you can help them cope with the stress and uncertainty brought on by COVID-19. Allowing your child to focus on their spiritual life will develop a sense of resilience that will keep them moving forward in these difficult times. There are several ways that you can help your child strengthen their faith during this unsettling time. Some of these include:
Teach prayer or meditation
Praying and meditating are great ways to connect with God. You can teach your child how to pray by modeling it yourself. Praying together as a family is also a beautiful way to create a stronger bond with one another.
In addition, you need to give your children an inviting space where they can meditate in peace. It can be inside their bedroom or in a quiet corner of the house. You may want to consider using energy-efficient residential glass to help create a serene and calming environment for your kids.
Encourage service
One of the best ways to grow in faith is by serving others. You can encourage your child to serve in their community through volunteering or simply helping out at home. This will not only help them feel good about themselves, but it will also remind them that they are not alone in this crisis.
Giving your children a sense of belonging and purpose will help them build a stronger foundation of faith.
Help them find a support group.
There are many online and offline support groups available for kids struggling with the effects of COVID-19. You can help your child find a group that meets their needs by researching or talking to their school counselor.
When they connect with other kids going through the same struggles, they will feel validated and loved, which will help build their faith even further.
Listen to them
One of the most important things you can do as a parent is to listen to your child. This will help you understand how they’re feeling and what they need from you. Additionally, it’s crucial to have open and honest communication with your kids about their faith.
If they have any questions or doubts, address them directly. Don’t shy away from difficult conversations. Helping your child navigate their faith will ensure that it remains strong even in the face of adversity.
Read Bible stories together.
Another great way to strengthen your child’s faith is by reading bible stories together. Not only will this help them connect with God, but it can also teach them valuable moral lessons that they can use to guide their decisions going forward.
Whether you’re reading the story of Noah and the Ark or one of Jesus’ parables, having a bible story read to them can provide the comfort and reassurance that your child needs during these difficult times.
Make your home a welcoming space.
Finally, you can help strengthen your child’s faith by making their home a welcoming and loving space. By doing things like greeting them with a hug when they get home from school or emphasizing the importance of family time, you’ll remind them how much love and support surrounds them during these difficult times.
A final word
No matter what you do to help your child, it’s important to remember that their faith is ultimately their own. All you can do is provide them with the tools and support they need to grow in their relationship with God. The rest is up to them. With your help, though, they will be able to develop a strong and enduring faith that will see them through these difficult times and many more to come.
