What to Do When Kids Are Scared of the World Around Them

Optimized 41 What to do when kids are scared of world

Are your kids scared of the world around them? How are you talking about anxiety with your kids these days?

In current times coping is harder, and there seems to be more reasons to worry than usual. You may experience tension when your family gathers because everyone views what’s happening in our world through different lenses, and with different opinions.

Relationships with some of the most important people in your lives seem at risk. It can be hard to talk about things that concern or upset us.

When we are anxious, our kids are the first to know. Kids have a keen radar that senses when things are off in our world. When their radar picks up anxiety, the anxiety spreads.

In today’s episode, we discuss the anxiety that can come from things we can’t control, the things that happen outside our walls: Social unrest, pandemics, politics, and school policies and decisions.

We WILL have trouble in this world

Jesus promises we will have trouble in this world. In the midst of such trouble, you have a unique opportunity to empower your kids to be thoughtful and compassionate in their relationships with others. Learning to approach your kids with grace and wisdom can help keep your family grounded, and growing in God’s love and purposes, during uncertain times.

This podcast is the fourth and final episode in a four-part series about anxiety. Listen in as Jim and Lynne Jackson, co-founders of Connected Families, together with close colleague and marriage and family therapist, Chad Hayenga, discuss this relevant topic from a faith-filled, biblically-oriented perspective.

In this episode

This episode is packed full of rich conversation and practical insights about tough topics. In this episode you will:

Explore habits that keep you grounded and help you “take every thought captive.”
Discover how to have honest conversations with your kids with a “Big Picture” perspective.
Learn how to communicate to your kids: “You are called and capable of figuring out even these really challenging problems!”
Hear practical ways to have conversations about big feelings with respect and kindness.
Gain insight in how to teach kids to wrestle well with their fears, listen better, and learn from the perspectives of others.

The reign and the rule of Jesus’ kingdom is as present and powerful now more than ever. We are all called to be part of this heavenly kingdom. Whatever trouble you are experiencing, the power and force of God’s goodness and grace are the most potent ways to overcome anxiety.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Like what you hear? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Connected Families podcasts so you don’t miss a single episode and others can find us more easily!

Want to learn more? This content from this podcast is also available in our blog post called: Teach Your Kids to Trust God…In Times of Unrest and Pandemic.

In our online course, The Power of Questions: Less Arguing. More Wisdom., you will learn the art of asking questions that build internal wisdom and character in your kids, and create a culture of teamwork in your family. Join us today!

Here is what Mark and Kim had to say after finishing the course:

We wish we’d had this training many years ago when starting our parenting journey, but we’ve found that it’s never too late to connect with each other and build up our family team. Changing our perspective and approaching our children (even the ones who are now young adults!) with light-hearted curiosity instead of judgmental lectures is a game-changer.