DC4K » Brain research

Why kids of divorce don’t feel safe and what you can do about it

Here is where many of us go wrong, we expect the child of divorce, who is caught up in an emotional train wreck, to function like any other kid. Doing school work, memorizing Scripture, answering questions about stories, and behaving appropriately may be almost impossible for children of divorce. Why? Their bodies are poised to respond to outside stimuli and interactions with fear. Read more…

Posted: April 8th, 2020 ˑ 6 Comments
Filled under: Brain Research, Discipline, Emotions, Research, School Issues, Stress

Are hungry hearts listening?

Hungry hearts have no ears. This was a phrase that Ms. Kennedy, an elementary teacher, used to tell the parents of children in her class about the importance of proper nutrition and having enough to eat. After reading a research project that was conducted at the Anthony Elementary School in Leavenworth, Kansas, this above phrase makes more sense to me. The study at Anthony Read more…

Posted: February 11th, 2019 ˑ No Comments
Filled under: Brain Research, Discipline, Emotions, Family Ministers, Grandparents, KidMin, Research, School Issues, Single Parents, Stress

The child of divorce benefits from an attitude of gratitude

Is there really any good that comes out of being thankful? Does being thankful actually change a person’s attitude? There is a lot of brain research that shows this to be true. Plus, God’s Word tells us to be thankful. First Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Children Read more…

Posted: November 14th, 2018 ˑ No Comments
Filled under: Brain Research, Emotions, Holidays

Incredible amazing brain Part 3: Sweet kid or grumpy kid, which do you prefer?

Ever have a sweet, little kid run up to you, throw his arms around you, and tell you how much he missed you this week? Ever have a grumpy, little kid snarl at you as he enters the classroom? He slides past you, goes over to the corner, and sits down. You already know from past experience that this kid is going to Read more…

Posted: July 19th, 2017 ˑ 2 Comments
Filled under: Brain Research, Discipline, Divorce Issues, Emotions, Research, Stress, Trauma

Why kids of divorce don’t feel safe (Part 2)

Children of divorce might not trust you. And in children’s ministry, that’s a real problem. I want to show you how to build their trust. Establishing trusting relationships will enable you to meaningfully minister to these kids. Why children of divorce have trouble with trust When children fear something, they want and expect the adults in their lives to protect them and keep Read more…

Posted: May 8th, 2017 ˑ 2 Comments
Filled under: Accept the Challenge, Brain Research, Discipline, Divorce Issues, Emotions, Preschool, Research

10 ways to use God’s glory to de-stress the child of divorce

I’m always on the lookout for resources that can help us better minister to children of divorce. Right now, I’m reading Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv. This book verifies what I’ve thought for years about stressed-out children: stressed kids and children with ADHD and other behavior disorders need to be outside. Louv says they have a “nature-deficit disorder.” Overall, kids Read more…

Posted: March 27th, 2017 ˑ 1 Comment
Filled under: Brain Research, Discipline, Emotions, Stress, Whirlwind Kids

Did you know fear in the child of divorce can cause behavior issues?

Experts tell us that when children feel fear, they aren’t able to learn and absorb information normally. When a child feels unsafe, the “learning brain” begins to power down. Learning becomes difficult if not impossible. Clearly, a child suffering through the divorce of her parents does not feel safe. I’d like to explain how she processes the information you are trying to teach Read more…

Posted: January 23rd, 2017 ˑ 3 Comments
Filled under: Accept the Challenge, Brain Research, Discipline, Divorce Issues, Emotions

What happens when you have the “warm fuzzies” for challenging children

Take a moment to think of someone you care about or someone that has impacted your life in a positive way. There are a lot of people that have impacted my life especially in ministry. When I think of one lady in particular and how she has blessed me down through the years I get the “warm fuzzies”. You know that feeling where Read more…

Posted: September 8th, 2015 ˑ 1 Comment
Filled under: Accept the Challenge, Brain Research, Disasters, Discipline, Divorce Issues, Emotions, Grandparents, Holidays, Stress