Recently, Stephen has shown some fear of the unknown (trying to differentiate real from make believe.) We had some friends over for a Teddy Bear picnic last week and after we ate, we took the kids on a 'bear hunt.' A storyteller on a web site told the story while different pictures appeared (ie. a bear's cave, a bridge, a tree, etc) Stephen was doing fine until he felt they were getting closer to the bear. He decided to hide behind our fireplace and wait until it was over. There have been other occasions where he has expressed fear too. So, I felt like I needed a solution to help him overcome/cope with his feelings.
As I went on a run a couple days ago, I talked to my running buddy about the encounter w/ the 'bear hunt.' I told her how scared Stephen was and I really wanted to help him feel safe. She paused for a moment and then said: "teach him about the armor of God." That was it! That was my answer to prayer. She was so inspired. I told her I had been praying about this concern and she provided the answer I was seeking.
So, I decided to prepare a Family Home Evening lesson and teach my family about the shield of faith and how we are protected by it. So, Monday morning, Stephen and I made shields. Then McKinley and Stephen colored their armor of God pictures. We read from D&C 27:15-18 to describe the armor and they had to point to it on their pictures they had prepared. I told them that sometimes we all feel afraid of something, but if we have faith/believe in Jesus Christ and that He will protect us, we will be ok. Stephen felt very good about this. So, then I gave every one a small fuzzy ball. I asked everyone to tell me something they are afraid of. Stephen was afraid of scary masks people wear at Halloween. I was afraid of dogs that are off leash when I'm running. McKinley wasn't sure what she was afraid of. Ray said he was afraid of Democrats (yes, he's been watching some Fox News lately. ) : )
So, now it was time for battle. I had Stephen stand up w/ his shield over his chest and I told him we were going to take turns throwing our fears at him, but that he would be safe because he had the shield of faith to block the fears. I threw his ball for him and he blocked it w/ a smile. It was great! Then, we all took a turn w/ the shield and blocked away all the fears. Always remember, "perfect love casteth out ALL fear." Moroni 8:16. We ended by singing "Army of Helaman" and we could feel the strength and protection that comes as we live by faith.
Little Warriors of God
McKinley Kea
Stephen feeling safe
Stephen and McKinley protected with the whole armor of God
3 comments:
Were you a school teacher or something? :-) Nicely planned-out activity. This was a good post. These are the kinds of things you will want to have recorded for history. I am sure Stephen will enjoy reading about it in the future.
I know nobody likes advice, but this just popped into my mind -- take it, or leave it. :-)
Overcoming fears is always fun. Sammi used to be more sheltered as our first child, and she was not exposed to many things besides PBS and Strawberry Shortcake. But now all the kids watch Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, etc., and William does not even know to be afraid of scary things/images.(Not sure if it is a good thing!)
I do remember Stephen freaked-out watching Willy Wonka when the girl turned into a blueberry, and watching the Wizard of Oz play -- whereas McKinley had no problem with either. It seems like maybe he has a hard time seeing the difference between real and make-believe? That seemed to be the case when he sat on my lap during Wizard of Oz. I had to explain to him that it was all pretend, people wearing costumes, etc. He just really seemed to think the witch/everyone was real.
Maybe showing him how things are made, or the "behind the scenes" of things would help, too. We do that with William, a lot. So he knows that some things are not real, but pretend. William has seen the making of Harry Potter, LOTR, and many other movies, so he sees the people getting into costumes, etc. You do not have to be as extreme as those movies, but you know what I mean . . . go behind the movie/stage/etc.
Anyway, maybe teach Stephen how to do a little acting or pretending to be something . . . being different characters. Maybe he needs a light-saber to go with his shield. :-)
Good luck with that! Fear is a hard thing to overcome. Hope the shield of faith works for him in the future. But some fear-overcoming "work" is good, too. (I am one to talk about overcoming fear! HA!)
Maybe it is time for him to learn how to be a Jedi . . . and use the force. :-)
Oh and yes . . . Democrats are SCARY! :-) wink!
Love you.
From the mouths of "babes"...mine anyway, (take that as you will). Good advice both of you.
Love, Mom
thamks Mari
great advice. I love it.
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