Raising Resilent Kids
Dear Pastors
The immediate question that may come to your mind is, why are we here at LeadershipWorx addressing this topic in a few months’ time? Here’s why.
- LeadershipWorx is about providing relevant educational and training events to pastors and Christian leaders wherever they may be leading. So it’s part of our mission.
- As both a Christian leader and now a grandfather I worry a lot about our youngsters including my grandchildren in terms of the world they are growing up in. Last night on TV national news for example the subject came up as to when you should start talking to your children about terrorism……..yes terrorism. The expert psychiatrist said 5 years of age…..yes five. To hard to believe but she was absolutely right that this is our new normal and we should help our kids deal with it.
- The advances in neuroscience since the advent of brain scans has confirmed over and over again the link between the developing brain and human warmth and good parenting techniques especially in the first 1000 days. [BTW - This is such an interesting area of study].
- We are all aware of the frightening statistics that we face in NZ. Childhood anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation continues to rise and rise and rise despite our best efforts to reduce the incidence of this frightening reality.
The cover article of the Listener two weeks ago was titled, “Anxiety Toolbox-Expert Advice in a era of Anxious Kids”. Here are a few up to date stats.
- 79,000 young New Zealanders – 12% of those aged 15-24 – are in psychological distress.
- The upsurge in anxiety has been matched by one of the most alarming symptoms: self-harm.
- Bullying is a primer to anxiety and NZ has the second-highest rate in the OECD.
- According to a recent Colmar Brunton Poll, stress not alcohol is the biggest challenge 16-24year olds now face.
AND THIS IS AN ISSUE FOR KIDS BEING RAISED IN CHRISTIAN HOMES…………I don’t want to be rude but please don’t bury your head in the sand, Pastor……or worse still say something silly like, “oh it won’t happen to the kids in my church, God will look after them”.
So, we at LeadershipWorx want to talk about this and help Christian parents and Children’s Pastors,Youth Pastors, Counsellors to build a fence at the top of the cliff rather than have to do ambulance and ED work at the bottom of the cliff.
In April and May, Kathryn Berkett M.Ed is going to help us to do that in Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington and Palmerston North. For more information and registration facility go to http://www.leadershipworx.org.nz/events/
If you are interested in hosting this event in your town/city in NZ please email karyn.woodhouse@leadershipworx.org.nz
Blessings
Alan
Alan Vink is currently the Executive Director for LeadershipWorx. Prior to this role he has been the Executive Director of Willow Creek Association NZ (WillowNZ), a Baptist pastor (23 years), Bible College teacher, and church consultant.
