Holding Them Closer in a World That Feels Heavy

My mama heart has been feeling so heavy lately. Every time I glance at the news, scroll social media, or overhear conversations in the grocery store aisle, I’m reminded that this world feels more uncertain than ever. As parents, that reality can be paralyzing. It’s scary to think about the world our children will grow up in. We want so badly to raise kids who are good, kind, brave, and grounded in their values, even when the world around them seems to be crumbling with division, anger, and fear.

In our little corner of the world, life feels relatively quiet. We live in a small community, one where most people are still willing to wave at their neighbors, show up for each other, and work things out respectfully even if they don’t see eye to eye. That kind of unity feels rare these days, and I don’t take it for granted. But even here, I can’t ignore the reality that one day, my children will step outside this bubble. And my job, as their mama, is to equip them with tools, not just to survive, but to shine.

Teaching Our Children in a Broken World

I was only five years old when 9/11 happened. I still remember the fear and uncertainty. My dad was active-duty military at the time, and as a child, I had no idea what awaited him or our family. Even though his career ended earlier than planned due to medical retirement, the anxiety of that season left an imprint on me.

What I remember most, though, wasn’t the fear. It was my mom. She didn’t shield us from everything, she explained what was going on in terms we could understand. She created space for us to express our feelings. She became the safe harbor when the world outside felt stormy.

That example has never left me. And now, as a mother myself, I want to be that same place of comfort, truth, and reassurance for my kids.

How to Talk to Kids About a Scary World

Every child processes fear and uncertainty differently, depending on their age and maturity. As parents, our role is to balance honesty with reassurance. Here are some ways to approach it:

Toddlers & Preschoolers (2–5 years):

• Keep explanations simple. If they hear something scary, acknowledge it briefly and gently.

• Focus on their immediate safety: “You are safe here with mommy and daddy.”

• Use routine as reassurance, regular meals, bedtime rituals, and playtime communicate security in ways words cannot.

Elementary-Age Kids (6–10 years):

• They may overhear news or conversations and have questions. Answer them honestly, but without overwhelming details.

• Encourage them to talk about what they’ve heard and how it makes them feel.

• Remind them of helpers, point out the people working to solve problems and keep others safe.

Preteens & Teens (11+ years):

• They are old enough to grasp more complexity. Invite conversations about what’s happening, why it matters, and how it connects to your family’s values.

• Allow space for questions, even hard ones. It’s okay not to have all the answers.

• Guide them toward action, whether it’s kindness toward a classmate, writing to a leader, or serving in the community. Doing something tangible helps them feel less powerless.

At every age, the key is the same: educate, reassure, and keep communication open.

The Tension of Raising Kids Today

I’ll be honest, years ago, when I was walking through 22 long months of infertility, I questioned whether I even should bring children into this world. Was it selfish? Was it fair to bring a child into a place filled with hatred, division, and danger?

But here’s what I’ve come to believe: the answer isn’t to stop raising children, it’s to raise them differently. To raise them with values rooted in love, compassion, courage, and faith. To raise them with the ability to listen well, to stand firm in truth, and to choose kindness even when it’s not popular.

When I look at my kids, I see the chance to put more good into the world. I see God’s answer to despair, hope wrapped up in the giggles, sticky hands, and sleepy snuggles of my children.

Faith as Our Anchor

Last night, my youngest twin was having a rough night sleeping. As I sang to her and rocked her back to sleep, I prayed protection over her and all my babies. In that quiet moment, I was reminded of the gift of being their mama. It’s easy to get lost in the noise of fear, but prayer centers me. It reminds me that while I may not control the world, I know Who holds it in His hands.

Scripture tells us, “Perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18). That verse takes on new meaning for me as a parent. My love for my children, and God’s love for them, has the power to drown out fear when the world feels overwhelming.

Holding Them a Little Closer

The truth is, I can’t promise my kids a life without hardship. I can’t promise they’ll never face hate, or that the world will suddenly become kinder while they’re growing up. But I can promise this: in our home, they’ll always know what love looks like. They’ll always have a place of safety and belonging. They’ll always be reminded of the values that matter most, faith, kindness, courage, respect.

So for now, while the world feels uncertain, I’ll hold my babies a little bit closer, a little bit longer. I’ll whisper prayers over their sleepy heads. And I’ll trust that even in the chaos, God is still at work.

Because maybe, just maybe, the way we change the world isn’t in big sweeping gestures, but in raising the next generation to love better than we did.