Helping Your Child Navigate Tragedy with Faith

1. Keep it simple and honest (young kids).

You don’t need to share every detail, but you can say: “Sometimes people make hurtful choices, and it brings sadness. That’s why we need Jesus, because He promises to be with us and give us hope.”

Remind them: “Even when the world feels scary, God never leaves us.” (Hebrews 13:5).

2. Create space for questions (elementary).

Kids this age will often ask “why?” Remind them that the root of all pain is sin, just like in Genesis 3. But also emphasize: “Jesus came because He loves us too much to leave us in our brokenness.”

Encourage prayer together: for families grieving, for safety in their own school, and for God to bring healing.

3. Invite empathy (preteens/teens).

Point to Romans 12:15: “Grieve with those who grieve.” Ask: “How would you feel if this happened in our community? How could we show love and kindness to people who are hurting?”

Remind them that their faith matters: “Even small acts of kindness are ways we shine Christ’s light when the world feels dark.”

4. Model prayer and trust (all ages).

Let your kids hear you pray for victims, families, and communities—out loud and specifically.

End prayer times with hope: “God, thank You that Jesus is our peace. Help us trust You even when things don’t make sense.”

5. Keep pointing back to Christ as their anchor.

Whether your child is 5 or 15, the heart message is the same: The world is broken, but Jesus is stronger.

We are praying with you.

PJ

Proverbs 3:5-6