Problem Solving in Troubled Times
The sense of loss brought about by unexpected violence touched everyone in some way. Whenever a great loss is experienced, the blessings of community can help in coping.
Ecclesiastes reminds us that there is a time for everything, "A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance..." The message continues, "What now is has already been; what is to be, already is; and God restores what would otherwise be displaced." [3:4,15] These latter words seem to urge us on, to accept reality and to go forward, knowing that God is with us through it all.
There will always be a need for principals to provide a sense of stability and "routine" for students, teachers, and school staff. Such going forward in no way lessons the reality of a loss, nor "tries to put it behind." Flexibility is the key to school programs. Routines need to allow for
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open discussion of current problems whenever they arise naturally.
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clarifying issues of diversity to keep perspective clear.
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focus on peaceful ways of resolving conflict.
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compassion and companionship for those experiencing any sense of loss.
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Prayer celebrations and individual prayers addressing matters of peace, justice, suffering, or fear have a genuine place in school liturgies. When possible, add liturgies to reflect the needs of your particular school community.
Additional Materials
The following resources address matters of loss, diversity, and peace to help as you reach out to parishioners.
Links
Peace on Earth Activities and Resources
Activities, prayers and other resources for all ages
Institute for Peace and Justice
Activities for children, parents, and teachers
National Catholic Ministry to the Bereaved
Resources for bereavement issues
Books
Blessing Life's Losses
by Joan Guntzelman
Author presents ways of looking at loss and offers suggestions on how to acknowledge and work through that loss.
Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725).
ORDER NUMBER: 0-7648-1152-5
Healing the Wounds of Emotional Abuse: The Journey Worth the Risk
by Nancy Benvenga
This book is a good resource for anyone wanting to learn about recognizing, identifying, and dealing with emotional abuse.
Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725).
ORDER NUMBER: 1-878718-30-4
After the Funeral
by Jane Loretta Winsch
Author shows different ways that children ages 3 to 11 can express grief.
Available through Paulist Press
My Grieving Journey Book
by Donna Shavatt and Eve Shavatt
Authors provide act ivies to help children ages 5 through 12 find healing in the grieving process.
Available through Paulist Press
Guiding Children through Life's Losses– Prayers, Rituals, and Activities
by Phyllis Wezeman and Jude Dennis Fournier, Kenneth Wezeman
This series of 10 prayer lessons deals with major losses, such as the death of a grandparent, divorce or separation of parents, death or loss of a friend, as well as "lesser" losses such as broken promises. Easy to use 6-step format.
Available through Twenty-Third Publications
I'm Like You, You're Like Me
by Cindy Gainer
Simple words and enchanting illustrations invite children (ages 3-8) to notice, accept and affirm individual differences. Book explores listening, understanding, feelings, kindness, friendship, and cooperation.
Available through free Spirit Publications, 1998
I'm Like You, You're Like Me–Leader's Guide
Guide edited by Jeanne Pearring, provides 20 lesson plans, home handouts, and letters to parents.
Available through Free Spirit Publications, 1998
Just Because I Am–A Child's Book of Affirmation
by Lauren Murphy Payne
Warm, simple words with delightful illustrations strengthen and support young children's self-esteem. Children are invited to love, accept, and respect themselves.
Available through Free Spirit Publications
Just Because I Am–Leader's Guide
Guide includes activities, questions, reproducible Home Handouts for parents.
Available through Free Spirit Publications
Windows to the World: Themes for Teaching Cross-Cultural Understanding
by Phyllis Kepler, Brooke Sarno Royse, and John Kepler
Authors provide real-life examples of cultural interactions to help students see value of cross-cultural skills needed for global citizenship. Activities encourage children in grades 4-8 to practice the new interaction skills they are learning.
Available through Good Year Books, 1996
Fighting Invisible Tigers
by Earl Hipp
This stress management guide is directed toward young teens.
Available through Free Spirit Publications
Videos
When Bad Things Happen to Good People (60 min.)
Dr. Harold S. Kushner offers answers to difficult issues. It provides a source of comfort and insight for anyone confronted by tragedy and suffering.
Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725).
ORDER NUMBER: 0-9701363-4-X VHS
ORDER NUMBER: 1-932142-14-2 DVD
Raising Children in a Violent World (33 min.)
Dr. Kathleen Chesto discusses violence children are exposed to and challenges parents and teachers to find ways through faith and prayer to lead children to experience peace.
Available through Twenty-Third Publications
Where Is God When Life Hurts? (42 min.)
Dr. Kathleen Chesto takes an honest look at suffering and offers specific suggestsions for dealing with pain and hurt.
Available through Twenty-Third Publications
Safety Net Kids: No Easy Targets (30 min.)
Video provides skills children ages 4 to 11 need to recognize and avoid abductors and abusers. It helps children learn when it is ok to say, "No."
Available through Oblate Media & Communication
Safety Net Kids: Bullies (32 min.)
Video points out value of building good friendships, and how to respond to threats and name-calling. It includes fun games for children ages 5 to 11.
Available through Oblate Media & Communication
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