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Equip kids to face difficult news with weekly family time

FALLBROOK – The stream of tough topics for parents to explain can feel unending: social unrest, hate crimes, natural disasters ... the pandemic. Many children and teens have struggled to process what they see at school, in their neighborhoods and on the news.

The Dawson family from Fallbrook takes time each week to discuss such challenges as a family.

Increased time at home due to the pandemic has had a positive impact. "Our time together has tripled, if not more, and that is a really big benefit," said mom Natalie Dawson.

Dedicated time together allows the family to address issues in real time such as the pandemic and health concerns. They have found jw.org helpful, "We love the videos and animations," Natalie said. "There is an unlimited amount of resources we can use on jw.org."

Jax, 14, and his sister Lola, 11, appreciate the opportunity to speak with their parents. "It helps me make the right decisions," he said of their family discussions.

In an ever-changing and challenging world, experts recommend regular family discussions to help young ones build resilience.

"Good communication is essential for a child's survival in this world," said James Wright, a California-based family counselor and conflict resolution mediator. "Why not have a family discussion once a week and talk about what's going on in your lives?"

The Dawsons are not alone in holding regular family discussions. For nearly two decades, families of Jehovah's Witnesses around the world have been encouraged to make "family worship" an uninterrupted weekly routine.

"For many of our families, their weekly discussions are among the most important hours of the week," said Robert Hendriks, U.S. spokesman for Jehovah's Witnesses. "It has brought thousands of our families closer together and helped children feel safe and loved."

In 2009, Jehovah's Witnesses reduced their midweek meetings from two to one, freeing up an evening each week for families to enjoy more time together.

"Meeting in large groups for worship is a Bible command, but the Bible also tells parents to make time to talk with their kids," Hendriks said. "The change to our weekly meetings helped families to prioritize unhurried Bible discussions tailored to their needs."

For the Dawson parents, family nights are a particularly special time given the ages of their children. "These are pivotal ages, 11 and 14," said mom Natalie. Both parents agree that spending quality time together as a family each week has been valuable. "It has brought us closer," said father Carroll.

Submitted by Jehovah's Witnesses.

 

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