We all have a bad day at some point in time.
A day when right from the start it feels like one thing after another goes terribly wrong.
As adults, we understand that throwing tantrums, plopping down on the floor, and crying are not options for us. We have learned the fine art of hiding our feelings, of smiling through the hurt, of putting Band-Aids on the wounds and moving on.
Children have not.
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Children don’t always understand why bad things happen. They don’t know how to hide their feelings. They cry when they get hurt emotionally or physically. They wear their feelings on their sleeve.
And while that is not always a bad thing, as a parent it is always nice to have a resource we can reach for when our children are not sure how to respond or react in a given situation.
Virginia Finnie, author of two fantastic Christian children’s books, Hey, Warrior Kids! Grab Your Sling Shot! and Hey, Warrior Kids! Put On Your Armor!, has written another book entitled, It’s a Super-Bad Terrible Day.
Virginia wrote this book for her own grandson to help him not only understand that these days will happen, but how to respond when they do.
I read this book to both of my children (8 and 4 years old at the time) and they both enjoyed it. I personally liked that the main character was not named, and the story was told using the pronoun “you.” Reading this story to both kids simultaneously, I felt that the story was very personal to each of them because it was written in such a way that they felt they were the main character of the story.
From the moment the child in the story wakes up, something happens that could turn his day into a disaster. He wakes up to a messy room and hurts his foot, two embarrassing moments happen at school, a situation happens at recess, and a little brother incident at home all make for what could be the worst day ever in the life of a kid. Yet, with each situation, a practical way to respond is given that helps the child see that the circumstances are not as bad as they seem and there is a way to salvage the moment and the day.
Although in this particular book Scripture is not used, there are so many ways we as parents can pull Biblical lessons out of this book. These are some of the verses that we discussed as we read each situation in the story, ending with Lamentations 3:21-23 because God’s mercies are new every morning and we have a fresh start to each new day.
Ephesians 4:26- Be angry and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.
Proverbs 29:23- A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.
Ephesians 4:32- Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
Psalm 133:1- Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!
Lamentations 3:21-23- This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.
When our children are having a “Super-Bad Terrible Day!” it is always important to remind them that God is still in control and that His mercies are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness!
You can read more about Virginia Finnie at her website Hey, Warrior Kids!
I want this book! Great post Suzette!
It was really a nice book 🙂 And right now, the author is offering a discount on her books!