Hey parents!

We know parenting is hard, and parenting through tragedy is even harder. But wherever you are, God sees you, He loves you, and He will help you.

When tragedies occur, our first thoughts are typically things like:

How are my kids going to view these events? Should I talk to them about what happened? If so, how do I respond without causing further confusion, anxiety, or trauma? And how do I help my kids keep going when they’re scared?

Navigating tough conversations is part of the parenting journey. It’s not easy, but even in crises, God has given us exactly what we need to comfort and guide our children.

“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” – Isaiah 41:13 

We get to help our kids prioritize hope over fear! Here are some resources that can help you understand what your child might be thinking and feeling:

• Today Show/Child Mind Institute interview: Making Kids Feel Safe
• Adolescent Therapist interview (Sissy Goff): How To Talk to Kids About The Texas Tragedy

Raising Resilient Kids

As parents, we want to steer our kids away from hardship, but childhood is also a training ground for the future. As much as we want to protect them, challenges can actually help our kids grow in resilience over time.

To hear more about raising resilient kids, listen to our latest “Parent Connect” podcast, and check out this article for ways to cultivate resilience in your kids.

Family Activities

The weather is warm, the pools are open, and school is wrapping up. How will you keep your kids entertained and active — both mentally and physically — over the next few months?

We have a few ideas!

• Go on family field trips! Whether you take the day off of work or plan something fun in the evening, take time to visit a local museum, go to the zoo, or attend a sporting event.
• Volunteer locally! Visit ElevationOutreach.org to find a service opportunity near you, or talk to your kids about ways you can volunteer in your neighborhood.
• Plan a family game night! Or, make it a party by inviting some friends over, and let your kids plan the activities and menu.
• Read a book together! Almost every year, kids have some type of required summer reading. Why not read the book together?
• Complete a puzzle! Grab a 1,000-piece puzzle, put it in a central location, and spend a few weeks putting it together.

For more activities, check out our eKidz Pinterest page.

Promotion Weekend!

On June 5, rising 1st graders for the 2022-2023 school year will transition out of Quest and into Motion, our 1st-5th grade ministry! Rising 6th graders will move into our main worship experience and join Elevation Youth! (aka Elevation YTH 🚀)

Have a rising 6th grader? Click here for more information on ways to get them connected, like eGroups, Rhythm Nights, and YTHX.