How to Help Your Grandchildren Manage Stress
What does popcorn have to teach us about science and stress? Plenty.
How does popcorn pop?
Popcorn pops when heat builds internal pressure to the point of bursting.
Each kernel of corn contains water.
When the kernel heats, that water turns to steam.
This steam creates pressure. Lots of it.
The pressure eventually causes the kernel to burst, turning the starch into fluffy white goodness.
Heat is key to the popping process. No heat. No popcorn.
Sometimes, we’re the ones experiencing the heat. And, like popcorn, that heat reveals what’s inside. When we’re under stress, do we show qualities like love, patience, and kindness, or a short fuse, a sharp tone, and cutting words?
Now, the heat isn’t bad. Heat is heat. Heat hardens clay and melts butter. But with popcorn, it reveals what’s on the inside of the kernel. Stress does too.
Stress can be both good and bad. The stress from exercise keeps us healthy, but stress from relationships, work, or school, can threaten to take us down.
And the kids in our lives are suffering too.
How can we help our grandchildren handle the stress in their lives?
Philippians 4:5-7 reads, “The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Let’s break this passage down.
1. “The Lord is near.”
The key to handling stress well comes in the very first sentence, “The Lord is near.” Our God is Emmanuel, God with us.
Hebrew 13:5-6 says, “. . . God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?’”
Joshua 1:9 reads, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
We are not alone, not matter what our feelings say. Taking time to reconnect with God brings down the stress and for me, one of the best ways to reconnect is to worship.
Worship music.
Reading psalms.
Remembering who He is and who I am.
Pro Tips:
Worship playlist on Spotify or wherever you stream your music
A folder on the Notes app on your phone with favorite psalms or verses
Favorite inspirational quotes or nature pics
All these are easy to share with the grandkids.
2. “Present your requests to God.”
How? Prayer, petition, with thanksgiving.
Prayer helps us to articulate what is going on, and what we can and can’t do about it.
So, let’s talk through the problem with our grandchild.
What is the issue?
What is within our/their control?
What isn’t?
What is the true need?
Then ask God for help, not only for the items not under their control, but for an action plan for the items that are.
For example, a grandchild needs a good grade on a major test in order to pass the class.
What is within their control?
Their understanding of the material
How much they study
How they study
Quality sleep
Healthy food
What is not within their control?
The test itself
What is the true need?
Do they need a tutor? Accountability? Discipline? A study schedule with rewards built in?
Now, we can pray.
Matthew 7:7-8 says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be open to you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18 reads, “. . . give thanks in all circumstances.” In, not for.
Let’s express our thanks—before God answers.
3. “The peace of God”
God promises His peace. His beyond understanding peace guards our hearts. His peace also guards our minds.
But sometimes the body needs a little help releasing the stress. Here are a few things that can help.
A walk
Breathing exercises like box breathing (Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4)
A workout
A hot bath with aromatherapy
A nap
A good meal (Healthy food, please)
4. Work the plan and repeat as needed.
Put the action plan to work. Keep a reminder of God’s presence nearby as you continue to pray and work through the issue. Worship and thanksgiving are key. Lots of biblical characters faced stressful times. Some handled it better than others, but we can learn from all of them.
Elijah: 1 Kings 18-19:18
Esther: Esther 4-7
Daniel: Daniel 2, 6
Jesus: Matthew 26:36-46
Let’s pray: Lord Jesus, too often, stress is a constant companion, for us and for our grandchildren. Replace that stress with Yourself and the peace only You can give. Help us to walk our grandchildren through the process living life and all of its stresses with You. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
All of us experience stress and unfortunately, our grandkids are dealing with it sooner than later. Let’s coach them through it so we and they are recognized as those who walk with God. Who remain calm under pressure because our God gives us peace beyond understanding. When the heat is on, may what’s inside be life giving, not toxic.
Resources:
Don’t forget to check out The Kingswell Kid Detective series. Book 1, The Mystery of the Missing Falls, is available now for readers ages 8-12. Kid-sized mysteries. God-sized truths.
Check out The Mystery of the Missing Falls on the Children’s Book Review tour.
Scripture to Help Grandparents
Popcorn links:
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