The current threat from the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is on the forefront of our minds. Families are concerned, especially for elderly parents and grandparents who are believed to be more vulnerable. Perhaps less obvious but no less significant is the impact of the Coronavirus threat on our younger children and grandchildren. As adults, we have more mature ways to handle our anxieties. But we are wise to watch for opportunities to comfort and assure our children during times of uncertainty.

Your toddler may be too young to understand the threat from a virus. However, even a toddler can sense mom or dad’s anxiety and become unsettled, too. Parents and grandparents that are attentive to their children or grandchildren, whether they are toddlers or teenagers, are wise to use these opportunities as teachable moments.

Yet, sometimes it can be hard for an adult to relate across generations. Here is where faith-based media like Little Leaders videos can help build a foundation for our children that leads to trust in God. After all, Jesus loves the little children (Matthew 19: 14) and will comfort and protect them.

For example, children can learn that God loved Noah and his family by watching Little Noah. God instructed Noah to build an ark of safety to prepare for a very big flood. How blessed is the toddler who can nestle on mommy’s or daddy’s lap and watch images of Noah’s ark and the animals parading safely on board. Meanwhile, toddlers can learn to sing along with Tibo Tiger and JoJo Giraffe. By learning to sing, “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands,” the toddler can begin to learn what it means to be safe and loved by God while singing within the comforting hands and arms of mommy or daddy.

Even a tiny virus can make us anxious, regardless of our age. But, with God’s help, if we respond in faith and love, we can make a difference when we are attentive to the needs of our children and grandchildren. Our hope is that Little Leaders will continue to be a valuable resource to help make children who are “little today, leaders tomorrow.”
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---John @Little Leaders (father and grandfather)

As the mother of a young adult son and two teenage daughters, I feel I have learned a lot about parenting in the last 22 years.  If you were to ask me to identify one of my biggest parenting challenges, I would say combating childhood anxiety.  Anxiety is a real issue from which we cannot shy away.  Between social media and recent breaking headlines, anxiety is all around us.