Suicide is on the rise.”
I heard the somber statement again on this morning’s news.
Recently, several cases of well-known, successful celebrities suddenly ending their lives have been mentioned over media outlets. We hear about them with shock and sadness—and so do our children!
We may think about these headlines as sad or unfortunate. Kids, on the other hand, sometimes view suicide as the best answer for escape when it comes to dealing with pressures at home or with peers.
The topic of suicide is without doubt a sad reality of today’s culture. Seems to go along with other horrific situations happening so often these days. It’s tough enough, as adults, to wrestle with these news headlines.
So how can we even come close to explaining topics such as suicide to our children?
God created life
In Scripture we read that “God made the world and everything in it” (Acts 17:24). The biblical account (in Genesis) of God creating human beings is one that most kids have heard since they were in preschool.
As parents, we can build on this truth from Scripture by talking with our children—even before they hear about personal tragedies such as homicides or suicides—by reminding them that God is the creator of life, which means He determines when our lives on Earth will end.
Obviously, the topic of suicide is not one that comes up for most kids in everyday dialogue. But it does come to their attention now and then through the news, “entertainment” segments of social media, secular music, and occasionally in our own communities.
Make time to talk
The first time your child asks questions about suicide, make time to talk about it! Don’t put off the discussion, even if the subject matter makes you uncomfortable. You might lose the opportunity to satisfy your child’s curiosity, and risk her seeking answers from detrimental sources. The best thing is to respond to your child’s questions as factually as possible without going into more detail than she is actually asking.
Also, any time we can take our kids to the Bible for answers to life situations—the better! This approach helps children develop their own biblical worldview as they’re maturing in other ways.
Be concise
It’s not up to individuals to decide when life is to end; the beginning and ending of life is up to the Lord. But when someone does take their own life—and we have to talk with a child about it—don’t pass judgment on the deceased person. Explain their death in simple, factual terms a child can understand such as, “He took some medications that made his heart stop working right.” Or, “She injured her body in a way that caused her to stop breathing.”
Give spiritual hope for the future
Even when children are in elementary school, they begin thinking about what they want to do when they grow up. Remind your kids that God has wonderful plans for their lives!
An encouraging Bible promise is, “I know the plans I have for you . . . plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jer. 29:11, NIV). Another great passage from the book of Jeremiah reminds us, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart” (Jer. 1:5, NIV).
These encouraging scriptures should help your child look toward God—not this world—for answers to life’s difficulties, and to remain hopeful about their promising futures!
Remind them of your unconditional love
Parents have huge influence over their kids! Children need to hear how their parents will always love them despite any disappointing behavior in which children have been engaged.
This type of assurance provides a safety net of unconditional love that helps children know they’re secure and accepted. Your kids will be more likely to make wise choices regarding life—and turn to you for help after making mistakes—if they are certain about the unconditional love of their heavenly Father as well as you, their parent.
Early in your children’s lives, seek to establish a foundation that the Lord made them, loves them, and has a wonderful plan for their future. This will lay a solid footing in their thinking for many years to come—one that will encourage them even when things get tough—to choose life in the way God intended for them all along.
IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING SUICIDE, PLEASE CALL 911 OR THE NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE AT 1-800-273-8255.