Reach Hurting Kids Institute

There's nothing sweeter than the presence of Jesus.

"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39

Nor big behaviors.
Nor children's curriculum.
Nor dysregulation.
Nor anxiety.
Nor fear.
Nor chaos.
Nor trauma.
Praise God!

Y'all remember all those fire drills we did when we were in school?

The whole point of a fire drill is to provide structure and predictability in a chaotic and unpredictable circumstance.

In the same way, regulation skills are meant to provide an "off-ramp" to escalating behavior. When a brain becomes dysregulated, things feel chaotic, unpredictable, and entirely unsafe. Regulation skills can provide a lifeline...
..but not if you don't know what they are.

Take the time to learn regulation skills during the CALM so that they can be accessed during the CHAOS. Give your kids the tools they need so that they know what to do when things feel out of control. Don't wait til the crisis to teach the skill!

When big behaviors arise at church this Sunday...

..Take a step back.
..Look at the bigger picture.
..Get curious about what's missing.
..Meet the need.

This behavior is only one small piece of this child's story.
This could be a moment that defines God's great love for them rather than defining them by their behavior.

They're not a "troublemaker," not "THAT kid," not a "problem."
They're a beloved child of God.

And what a privilege that we are invited into their story to witness to their belovedness, even in the midst of big behaviors.

Thanks be to God!

"Trauma-informed discipline seeks to minister to hurting children, empower children to take responsibility for their behavior, and teach children the skills they need to be successful. It’s about a long-term heart change rather than a short-term behavior change."

Trauma-Informed Children's Ministry: A Practical Guide to Reaching Hurting Kids

We have loved being Shine On: Tim Tebow Foundation partners! Check out all the amazing resources they provide!

Go to reachhurtingkids.com/discipline to download your free Grace-Filled Discipline Guide!

There’s nothing like the community! We always leave this week with full hearts and so much gratitude. Thanks, , for a great week!

If you were there, drop a comment about your biggest takeaway from the conference!

If you’re at this week, come see us in the international ballroom today! We’d love to connect with you!