As most of you know, the May 21 Rapture as predicted by pastor Harold Camping is coming in a matter of days. An earthquake of Biblical magnitude would occur on the Pacific Rim at 6PM PT (10PM ET) on that day, then a series of similar or greater magnitude quakes would shake the world until it’s destroyed on October 21. The believers would ascend upwards into Heaven on that day.
Of course, all the hype about the worldwide temblors that would spell out the end of the world is causing children to be scared. I can imagine them not eating or sleeping and skipping school because they are too afraid about it. Some of them are even playing Christmas videos or music because they would never have a chance to hear or watch them again.
The hype surrounding the May 21 Rapture scares some kids so much that they resort themselves to watching Christmas videos like this at the wrong times.
But the scheduled Rapture, although I believe in one, would probably not happen. Camping and his followers had been wrong in 1994, and will probably be in a matter of days. What’s more – they are not supposed to know the date of the upcoming Judgment Day, which is an unknown date only known to God. “Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place.” Jesus stated in Matthew 24:34-36, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. ‘But of that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.’”
But despite the fact that only God knows when the world ends, most children are still too afraid that they would die on May 21. So what can you as parents do to ease their fears? Homeschool teacher Sunshine Simmons has tips on how to ease their fears on doomsday predictions, originally written regarding December 21, 2012.
- Treat the day like a superstition and assure them that only God knows when.
If you do believe in God, tell them that only He knows when. Encourage them to pray more often every day. If you don’t believe in Him, tell them that it’s just a silly old story that people make up and the world will not end. - Engage with them more often.
Play with them, hug them, and interact with them in positive ways. That will ease their fears and anxiety. The more they are distracted from the “hype” by playtime and loving, the less likely they will be scared. - Establish a calming bedtime routine.
The media can fuel kids’ fears of May 21, so it’s vital to create a calming atmosphere before bedtime. Turn off the TV, computer, and radio at least an hour before bed to avoid causing any more fear. Read a good bedtime story to them about happy thoughts and people. Sing or play lullabies to help them relax. - Talk to them about what they will do in the future.
Talk to them about future vacations, jobs when they grow up, and so on more often. They will see a brighter future. - If nothing works, consult a therapist.
With all the buzz surrounding the May 21 Rapture, kids are getting scared of it. It is important to be loving and caring to make them fear about it less and less.
