Anxiety is becoming more common in children, especially in Generation Alpha (kids between the ages of 1-15). While studies show that children today are more open about their feelings, they also experience more stress and anxiety due to social media, school pressures, and the fast-paced world around them. Research from JAMA Pediatrics shows that anxiety in children has significantly increased in the last decade (Ghandour et al., 2019).

As parents, it’s tough to watch our children struggle. While we can’t remove every fear, we can teach them how to manage anxiety by trusting in Jesus (This can serve as an example for us as parents too).

What to Say When Your Child Feels Anxious

When your child feels anxious, remind them: "Talk to God, don’t talk to your anxiety."

This teaches them to focus on God’s power instead of their fears. Instead of letting worries take over, encourage them to pray and give their fears to God. Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV) says:

Here’s how you can guide the conversation to raise worry-free kids:

• Recognize their feelings – “I see that you’re feeling nervous, and that’s okay.” (Romans 12:15, NIV: "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.")

• Point them to God – “Let’s pray together and give this worry to Jesus.”

• Pray with them – “Jesus, I feel anxious, but I know You are with me. Please help me trust You.” (Psalm 56:3, NIV: "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.")

• Remind them of God’s promises (My personal favorite) – “God is always with you, and He will help you.” (Isaiah 41:10, ESV: "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.")

How to Help Your Child Handle Anxiety with Faith

Here are three ways to help your child find peace in God when they feel anxious:

1. Memorize Bible Verses About Peace

Help your child replace fearful thoughts with God’s truth:

• 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV) – "...for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."

• John 14:27 (ESV) – "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."

Another alternative is to write the Scriptures down and have it handy whenever anxiety starts to take over.

2. Create a Calm, “Jesus” Routine

Kids feel safer with a routine. Start and end the day with prayer, worship, and quiet time. Make sure that Sundays have a routine as well–going to church—where they know they will be loved there too. Their routine will become something they will look forward to in their week. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV) says:

3. Have a Place for Expression

Help your kids express their emotions in a healthy way:

• Talk to a trusted adult. We have CF Kids and CF Students directors, and pastors that are more than willing to meet with you and your child, giving them the opportunity for this healthy expression.

• Write down fears in a prayer journal and add a Bible verse next to them.

• Draw pictures of their worries and pray over them.

Raising Worry-Free Kids in Faith

Anxiety is real, but so is God’s peace. We may not be able to stop every fear, but we can teach our kids to trust in Jesus when they feel overwhelmed. The more they learn to talk to God instead of focusing on their anxiety, the stronger their faith will become.