What to say when children worry

“Accompaniment on a journey can make an extraordinary difference, whether the journey is physical or spiritual. The times we’re living in may feel like a disorienting new path, or like a familiar road walked too often. Beyond politics, children (and people of all ages) are living with deep concerns, worries for the future, and uncertainty about what all this means for them, their neighbors, friends, and family….

Whether the language you prefer is Kingdom of God or Beloved Community, we need to tell our children that this is still possible here on Earth and in our lives. This happens in gestures and actions of all kinds, from small kindnesses to participating in protests….

Friends of all ages are on this journey together. For adults who work with and live with children and young people, there is wisdom in the advice to take care of yourself, pay attention to where young people are (do not assume or project feelings about events), provide accurate information, move to action you can take, and make space for prayer and silence as well as support from those around you.”