As parents we are constantly trying to protect our children. We baby-proof our homes for our infants and toddlers. We teach our little ones to look both ways before crossing the road, and to never talk to strangers. We tell our teens to stay clear of the wrong crowd and to be careful of internet predators. We know it is our job to protect our children…

But what do we do when reality hits?

How do we protect our children from the struggles we face? Trouble in our marriages, losing a job or a home. What do we do then?

Do we tell them the realities of our lives or do we continue to protect them at all costs? I can only tell you that those decisions come with age. For young children it is imperative they we shelter them. They need to feel safe and secure at all times. Our struggles can not be their struggles. But as children get older they sense so much more than we think.

They see and hear things. They know the fight is happening, they see mom or dad home when they should be at work, and they see the worry on our faces when the bills pile up. Children’s imaginations can run wild with very little knowledge. They can make problems bigger than they are. My child even developed panic attacks during a difficult period in our family’s life. He sensed something seriously wrong in our family and didn’t know what to do with his fear. Once he knew a part of what was happening the panic attacks subsided and he was able to cope.

I learned from that experience that children deserve answers. They are members of our families and with that comes inclusion. That does not  mean you should tell them all the details of your struggles, but you should trust them and God enough to share with them part of your family’s realities.

Tell them that even though things are a little rough right now you trust in God to carry your family through. First and foremost go to His word. In John 16:33 we are told,”I have told you these things, so that you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” God is telling us to be strong and have faith in his almighty power.  We are told  in Psalm 68:19,  ”Praise be to the LORD, to God our Savior who daily bears our burdens.” In this passage we are told He is carrying us and He is with us always. So trust in your family to gain strength and faith from the burdens and know God will get us through. Protect your children but teach them at the same time.

Powerhouse Christian Church is a non-denominational church, serving Bergen County, Allendale, Saddle River, Upper Saddle River, Ho-ho-kus, Ramsey, Mahwah, Waldwick, Wyckoff, Ridgewood, Saddle Brook, Paramus, River Edge, Oradell, Westwood, Rivervale, Old Tappan, Pascack Valley, Hackensack, Teaneck, Bergenfield, Franklin Lakes, Oakland, Passaic County, Wayne, Totowa, Paterson, West Paterson, Little Falls, Rockland County, Suffern, Warwick.