Supporting Our Children During COVID-19

COVID-19 has been a time for all of us to be challenged in our faith and struggle through the hardships that it presents. As I have been striving to persevere through this time, I have seen my kids fight this battle alongside me as well. Boredom, unknowns about the future, disruptions to their typical school routines, and cancellation of many summer events have presented them with an equal amount of challenges that we adults are faced with. 

I know I have been tempted during this time to just focus on my own fears, struggles and anxieties but today I would remind all of us to stop and look at the children and youth in our lives and take a little extra time to support them. I'm sure all of us have children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews, or even neighborhood children that have been surviving COVID. Today I would like to encourage everyone to take time to do something small for the children in each of our lives and let them know that you care about them and understand how hard this time is for them. Maybe it will be a time to open up a discussion about our faith and how we can lean into Christ during times of uncertainty and fear.

Additionally, for those that have Orthodox children and youth in their lives, I would offer a few small options to encourage them them during this hard time and to support their faith:

1. Be the Bee (6th grade and above) - This is an excellent video series put on by the Archdiocese to help middle, high school, and college students engage their faith and face the challenges that our modern society presents to them. There are even some episodes that touch on COVID.
2. Virtual Church School - Rooted in Prayer (K-5) - This is a new virtual camp put out by Ancient Faith Radio that has full lessons plans, videos, songs, craft ideas, and much more.
3. Children's Orthodox Books (K-8) - There is a wealth of Orthodox books for children on both Ancient Faith and the Greek Archdioceses Department of Religious Ed, one even by a local artist :)

As we continue to navigate our path through COVID-19 let's continue to support and pray for those 'little people' around us who may not know how to articulate their feelings during this time but are struggling to find Christ and endure the pandemic with faith and patience.

In Christ,

Dn. Steve