Disappointment and loss are normal parts of life. And one of the goals of parenting is to train our children to have the skills necessary to overcome it and “pop back.” But, as the school year approaches and so much of our lives are different, our children are faced with almost daily reminders of what was and is no longer. Most parents have one of two responses: either push our children to “get over it,” or attempt to shelter them from the “it”. In either case, we are missing an opportunity to train our children how to feel the discomfort of loss and how to develop the skills necessary to face adversity.
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In this Parenting Pathway Podcast, Pastor Dave Carl and Student Ministry Pastor Nathan Kocurek talk about all the losses and disappointments our children are facing in this COVID-19 world. They focus on steps to helping our children move through their loss experience, recognize the validity of their feelings, and embrace their feelings without becoming victims of their circumstances.
But they who wait upon the Lord will get new strength.
They will rise up with wings like eagles.
They will run and not get tired.
They will walk and not become weak.Isaiah 40:31
As adults, we have a better view of the long game of life and we know God is using each life experience to draw us to Him, shape us, and mold our lives to His will. The goal of helping our kids overcome disappointment, the grief of loss, is not just to get over it, but rather to grow through it.
Resources
- If you missed it, you can find part one of the discussion here: Help Your Kids Overcome Disappointment, Part 1.
- Both Dave and Nathan mention Brene’ Brown’s discussion with David Kessler, both great resources in the study of grief, loss, and shame. You can listen to their discussion on brenebrown.com here: Unlocking Us.