Speaking with Our Children about
Death of Pope John Paul II By Lisa M. Hendey“Be not afraid!” – Perhaps these words of advice, given to us by our beloved Pope John Paul II at beginning of his pontificate in 1978, are best resource available for parents looking to provide comfort and reassurance to their children at passing of this great spiritual light. I have found this week that along with dealing with my own personal mourning, it has been important to spend time in prayer and conversation with my children as they deal with death of only Pope they have ever known.
Children are so wonderful – they freely and without reservation express many of emotions we “grown ups” hold inside. My two boys are no exception. I find myself looking to my ten year old son Adam frequently as a role model of empathy and compassion. Adam, at ten years old, has always been a perceptive child, and particularly so when it comes to human suffering. He’s first to cry “Stop, he needs help!” at site of a poor person looking for support. He’s also his mother’s greatest defender, coming to my aid against light hearted teasing of his father and older brother. So it’s no surprise that he is particularly in tune to Mom’s mood this week, and to profound wave of emotions that fill my heart.
To help shepherd my own “flock” through this period of mourning and prayer for our Church’s leaders, I consulted one of best group of “experts” I know on topic of Catholic parenting, mothers at Catholic Mom Community (www.cmomc.org). I asked them for their insights on how they are speaking with their own children about death of Holy Father and this time of transition for our Church. I am happy to share some of their words of wisdom.
•Attend Special Masses and turn to Eucharist – Mom of five Lisa, from Greenville, California, plans to attend special Eucharistic celebrations being held several evenings this week in her own parish. Children may obtain holy card memorials at these services that will remind them for years of many good works of this special man. •Family Prayer – Many families are taking time to remember intentions of Holy Father during their family prayer times. Denise, a mother of five daughters from Apple Valley, California, says her family is setting aside time each evening to pray as a family. •Monitor Television Watching – Mary, mother of a large family in Alton, Illinois, recommends monitoring children’s exposure to television coverage. It is important, especially with younger children, that time be taken to explain images they may view on television that may frighten or confuse them. Prudent at any time, this advice to monitor our children’s viewing is especially appropriate at this time. Suggested alternatives might include viewing a videotape documentary on life of John Paul II.
