Greetings, my friends. I hope you and your loved ones are doing well this week.
Today I want to address the topic of FEAR. Honestly, the mere mention of that word can sometimes make me uncomfortable because it can bring up so many thoughts filled with anxiety. It doesn’t help when we turn on the news every day and are inundated with so many new things we should be concerned about…whether it’s the state of our city, state or the world, the reminders of what could happen, crime rates, or new hidden dangers in every item we touch, eat, or drink. In an effort to keep us informed, and to keep up their ratings, the media plays on our fears and anxieties which can easily escalate to the point where we can be paralyzed by them. I know that I can only expose myself to a certain amount and then need to shift my mind with something positive to protect my well-being.
Our children need that too. They may not be as inundated with the same amount of fear and anxiety, but I assure you, they too suffer with fearful thoughts as well. As adults we know that sometimes we need to “change the channel” of our thoughts to protect ourselves from fear overload, but they may not be aware of it. Like us, they may need to talk about the issues that scare them at times, but it is equally important to teach them to shift their thoughts to something positive. After talking with them about the issues that are causing them fear, make certain that you take a few minutes to help shift their thoughts in a more positive way. There are so many simple and easy things you can do to accomplish this: watch a funny TV show, read them a story, sing a funny song together, play a game with them, or tickle their feet for a few seconds. Even the smallest break from our fears can make a huge difference. Don’t forget to give your mind a little break too. Remember, children model what they see more than what they hear, and the healthier you feel, the better they will feel too.
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