Caring for Kids during Worldly Chaos

By Sarah Humphrey

Thank goodness, 2021 is a new year! We are living in a time of history unlike any other. There were many barriers and some breakthroughs in 2020, and our children were watching how we dealt with them.  They are still watching, and they will continue to both mimic and seek help from us as this transition in history continues.

Though we may not know a lot about 2021, we do know that God is with us.  He promises us that, and it’s our response to Him that can make a big difference, not only in our community but most importantly in our home.

As a homeschool mom, I spend 2-3 days a week coaching my kids through a family Bible Study. As we’ve been studying the Names of God this year, we have been reminded several times of God’s protection, power, and provision for us.  Romans tells us clearly to keep our hopes up. 

“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” –Romans 8:28

In a world of many unknowns, God reminds us that He is El Shaddai, God All Powerful. He is the one who is in control, moving the puzzle pieces of history to serve His purposes, and we get to partner with what He says when He says it. 

And so, the days might be long, and the questions from our children might be plentiful, but we serve a God of answers! There is no better time to teach our kids how to memorize Scripture, pray simple prayers, and express their feelings through art and speech.  As we hear their voices rise in faith, our faith rises also.

If you’re looking for ways to encourage your young ones during this season, consider these simple tips for time together as a family:

1. Set up a family calendar that includes time for dinners at the table, family devotions, or family movie night. Take the time to discuss the themes and current events that are unfolding in this season. If you watch a movie, give yourselves a few minutes to debrief how it made your kids feel, what they learned, and if they enjoyed the characters involved.  It’s small conversations that sometimes contain the most truth and awareness.
2. Set aside time to pray together as a family. It doesn’t have to be complicated or serious.  But remember that a simple and consistent example of a 3-minute prayer is a marker of peace for children throughout their lives.  They will remember it. So, pray out loud before meals, before bed, before school, and any other appropriate time.
3. Be honest. Be forgiving. And be gentle.  We are all learning something new right now.  It’s in times like these, that slowing down can be one of the wisest things we do.

May God bless you as you walk this year, and may He keep you and your family in peace during this time!

Sarah is a wife and homeschool mom to three kids while also working as an artist, author, and voice actor.  Her writing and doodling can be found in her devotional, “40 Days to a Joyful Motherhood” and her voice in several commercials, children’s books, and audiobooks.