How to help your child find peace in God’s promises.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
– Philippians 4:6-7
Let’s be honest: parenting in this generation is not for the faint of heart.
You’re trying to raise kind, confident, Christ-centered kids in a world where “normal childhood stress” seems to have been replaced by real, heavy anxiety. Maybe you’ve seen it in your own child; sleepless nights before a test, stomach aches before school, tearful worries over things they can’t control.
If you’ve ever wondered, “How do I help my child find peace in all of this?” you are not alone. And more importantly, you are not without hope.
At Fidelis Academy, we believe God’s Word offers timeless truth and comfort for anxious hearts, both theirs and yours. So let’s talk about four practical, grace-filled ways you can help your child find peace in God’s promises.
Listen Without Judgment – Create Safe Spaces for Kids to Share Fears
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
– James 1:19
Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do for an anxious child is… stop talking.
As parents, we want to fix it all. We see fear, and we immediately jump to solutions: “Don’t worry about that! It’s not a big deal.” Or worse: “You’re fine. Stop overthinking.” (Ouch. I’ve said it, too.)
But what our kids need most is a listening ear. A safe space to say, “I’m scared,” without feeling silly or dismissed.
Try this:
- Sit with them and listen fully before responding.
- Reflect back what they’re saying: “That does sound scary. I’m so glad you told me.”
- Pray with them right then and there, even a short and simple prayer can bring comfort..
When we listen without judgment, we reflect God’s love, a Father who hears every cry and never turns away.
Teach Breath-Prayer Practices – “When I Am Afraid, I Will Trust in You”
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
– Psalm 56:3
Here’s a little parenting secret: you don’t need a PhD in psychology to help your child calm their anxious thoughts. You just need scripture and a few deep breaths.
Introduce your child to “breath prayers” they are short, powerful scriptures they can say while breathing slowly:
- Inhale: “When I am afraid…”
- Exhale: “…I will trust in You.”
This teaches them to anchor their thoughts in God’s Word while helping their bodies physically calm down.
Practice it together during peaceful times so they’re ready to use it in anxious moments.
Limit Media Exposure – Guard Their Minds
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure… think about such things.”
– Philippians 4:8
We live in a 24/7 news cycle, endless notifications, and social media feeds full of drama and comparison. Even the strongest adults feel the weight of it all, well how much more our kids?
While we can’t shield them from everything, we can be intentional about what we allow into their hearts and minds.
Consider:
- Setting screen-time limits and device-free zones.
- Talking about what they see online and helping them process it Biblically.
- Encouraging activities that fill their minds with “whatever is true, noble, right, and pure.”
Remember: what fills their minds shapes their peace.
Normalize Seeking Help – Faith and Professional Support Can Work Together
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
– Galatians 6:2
Sometimes loving our children means knowing when to get extra support.
If your child’s anxiety feels too big for them (or you) to handle alone, that’s okay. Seeking help from a Christian counselor or therapist isn’t a lack of faith, it’s an act of wisdom and stewardship.
Pair professional support with prayer and scripture, and you’ll create a holistic approach that reflects God’s care for the whole person; body, mind, and spirit.
At Fidelis Academy, we encourage families to connect with a parent prayer group, where you’ll find others walking through similar challenges. You are not alone.
You Are Not Alone, and Neither Is Your Child
Parenting an anxious child can feel heavy at times. But take heart, you are not in this by yourself. God is with you. He promises His peace, and He equips you with everything you need to shepherd your child’s heart.
At Fidelis Academy, we’re cheering you on. We believe in the power of prayer and community, and we’re here to partner with you as you help your child grow in faith, courage, and peace.
Family Discussion Questions
Here are some questions to spark meaningful conversations this week:
- Have you ever felt worried or afraid? What helped you feel better? (Philippians 4:6-7)
- What does God promise to do when we pray and trust Him?
- How can we remind each other this week that “God is bigger than our fears”?
- What are three things we can thank God for right now? (Gratitude reduces worry.)
- Can we create a “Family Peace Verse” and put it somewhere in our home?
Take the Next Step
We invite you to join a parent prayer group, a space where you can share, pray, and find encouragement alongside other parents. Together, you can stand on God’s promises for our children’s hearts and futures.