The Crossway Podcast How to Talk to Your Kids About Suffering (Beth M. Broom, LPC)
Dec 1, 2025
Beth Broome, a licensed professional counselor and founder of the Christian Trauma Healing Network, shares invaluable insight for parents navigating tough conversations about suffering with their children. She discusses the balance between protecting kids and preparing them for life's challenges. Beth emphasizes the importance of grounding discussions in biblical truth while addressing tough topics like God’s role in suffering. She also highlights that every child processes grief differently, urging parents to connect emotionally before guiding them through their struggles.
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Children Shaped Her Approach
- Beth Broome dedicated the book to her three children who taught her to model suffering and lament in family life.
- She admits as a mom she sometimes defaults to fixing instead of sitting with pain, learning to slow down from counseling practice.
Shielding Hurts Future Resilience
- Shielding children from pain leaves them unprepared when suffering inevitably arrives.
- Without a foundation, kids are more likely to adopt false beliefs like 'God is punishing me.'
Prepare Early, Don't Wait For Crises
- Begin conversations early and repeatedly about suffering instead of waiting for a crisis like a 'tsunami.'
- Use empathic phrases and personal examples to validate children's pain and open dialogue.
