The Healthy Relationships Video Project originally grew out of a recognition that Covid-19 presented challenges for families and individuals that we have never seen before including but not limited to:
- Significantly increased time together
- Great disruption to normal routine
- Isolation from friends and extended family members
- Restrictions on activities and access to outside spaces
- Loss of income and financial distress
As leaders who were interacting with individuals and families in these challenging times, we noticed a pressing need for short and digestible resources that help families, couples and individuals to first manage and then flourish in their relationships.
We wanted to present messages that were grounded in biblical truths and that presented quick ideas to help families reconnect with one another, to recognise and use love languages, to practice compassion and empathy, to deescalate conflict, to assist children to cope with emotions, to be ok with the in-between space and more.
These messages are for your church and for individuals to use and share on social media, websites, newsletters, and more. Please share them widely as you encourage individuals and families to grow and flourish in their relationships with one another. The take home messages ring true, whether Covid-19 restrictions stay or continue to be loosened.
Ephesians 4:2 “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
Sincerely,
Healthy Relationships Working Group
Click here to email the working group.
Suggestions for use:
These videos can be downloaded from vimeo and uploaded to your church webpage, your social media accounts or directly into newsletters.
Suggestions for social media captions are included with each video below. We encourage you to encourage others to share through their own networks.
The material has been developed by a team of Baptist women from around Australia with expertise in:
- Social work, family health, domestic and family violence, child welfare
- Theology and pastoral care
- Communications and project management
Using Love Languages to Reduce Tension: Carolyn Cousins
Are you finding yourself going a little nutty as you spend all this extra time with your immediate family? Do you wonder why your child follows you around the house or insists on touching your face? Social work expert, Carolyn Cousins, reviews how knowing and using the love languages can reduce the tension in our homes. #AustralianBaptistMinistries #HealthyRelationshipsProject
Practicing Love and Compassion: Yvette Cherry
Why do those closest to us often get the worst of us? How can we take responsibility for our emotions when life’s stressors continue to pile up? Women’s Leadership Pastor and Comms Guru, Yvette Cherry helps us to recognise the signals our bodies are sending us and how we can channel our emotions in healthy ways. #AustralianBaptistMinistries #HealthyRelationshipsProject
Flipping your Lid for Parents: Carolyn Cousins
Do you notice your kids acting out more than usual? Are they struggling to manage melt downs, anxiety and anger? Social work expert Carolyn Cousins shares a helpful tool called “flipping your lid” and how referring to emotions in this way can help your kids manage their emotions. #AustralianMinistries #HealthyRelationshipsProject
Struggling with Covid-19 and Negative Thoughts: Elliot Keane
Did the Covid-19 restrictions have you feel like your thought life was going backwards? Pastor Elliot Keane explores why our brains resort to old coping strategies when we are under stress and why we pick up the emotions of others. #AustralianBaptistMinistries #HealthyRelationshipsProject
Living in the Liminal Space: Julie Gardiner
How do you have a sense of purpose after a season of purposelessness? How do you feel about coming out of lockdown? Pastor Julie Gardiner explores the journey through the in-between and why we may feel reluctant to go back to our pre-Covid activities. #AustralianBaptistMinistries #HealthyRelationshipsProject
Additional Resources
Lifeline 13 11 14
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
1800 Respect 1800 737 732
Mensline 1300 78 99 78
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
Relationships Australia 1300 364 277
Information on Covid-19 and Defusing Family Conflict: https://www.redcross.org.au/stories/covid-19/covid-19-and-family-conflict
Benestar Covid-19 Support Webinars: https://vimeo.com/showcase/covid-19-webinars
“Why do we lost control of our emotions?” for kids: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bKuoH8CkFc
Dr. Dan Siegal presenting a hand model of the brain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gm9CIJ74Oxw
Peacewise, Promoting peace and reconciliation in relationships through biblical principles and the power of Christ: https://peacewise.org.au/