Considering the tragic shootings we hear about daily in the news…answer this question:
What will my children (or teenagers) do if crisis strikes?
I don’t know if the family crisis plan you’ve prepared came to mind, but more than likely it did not. Go ahead and let the guilt move on because you are not alone. Though Isaiah 41:10 tells us to fear not, we do need to be prepared. Here are three steps to take with those you love:
- Make a plan. Determine what your family should do if something tragic is happening…and keep it simple. The FBI’s three-word plan Run – Hide – Fight is a great example (see video below that is posted on their site). Notice how they focus on what “to do” rather than “not do,” and give clear examples of each. You also may consider asking the schools your children/teens attend for their crisis response plan(s). Using similar words and strategies modified for your family will make it easier for everyone to remember.
- Teach the plan. In a crisis, people react in the moment more than move through a well thought out response. Remind your family of your plan until “knowing what to do” becomes automatic. Use language that is age-appropriate and make sure everyone understands what they are supposed to do. With my preschooler, I’ve taught her that when the adult (e.g., teacher, mom, dad, grandparent) tells her to hide and be quiet because it is not safe, then she needs to follow instructions without asking questions and “pretend like she is sleeping.” When talking to my teenagers, I’ve taught them that if they cannot escape, to hide and “pretend like you are not alive.” Remember, the goal of this discussion is NOT to insert fear and anxiety into our children/teenagers, but rather to give them comfort by knowing what to do when things become unsafe.
- Re-teach the plan. The likelihood that a serious crisis event will happen is not likely in most communities, but it is not impossible. As parents, we tend to talk about something when it is a hot topic and then over time it drifts out of our conversations. Periodically review the plan to make sure everyone can remember it. A helpful strategy is to set a reminder on your smartphone to alert you every 6 months to revisit your crisis plan as a family. This helps everyone remember what to do. As your children age and mature, you can have increasingly meaningful conversations about the world around them.
Remember, as you are walking your family through the plan step-by-step, encourage everyone that no matter how difficult the circumstance to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths” (Proverbs 3:5). If the darkest of times come our way, may He show us the way out.
Note: First watch the video below without your children to ensure age-appropriateness.
Photo by chuttersnap on Unsplash