Helping Your Children Deal with Fear

by PJ Keen,  August 12th, 2025.

With school starting back, I’ve been thinking and talking a lot about fear. So many children struggle with fear at this time of year. It could be fear of separation from parents, fear of fitting in, fear of the unknown, or even fear of math… (Okay, maybe that was just me.) Fear can be crippling, and as parents, it’s hard to see your child go through something you really can’t control.

As Christian parents, we need to ask three important questions:

1) What Does the Bible Say?

The Bible repeatedly addresses fear and anxiety, showing that God understands these struggles, even in children.

“When I am afraid, I will trust in you.” (Psalm 56:3, CSB)
 “Cast all your cares on him because he cares about you.” (1 Peter 5:7, CSB)

God’s Word reminds us that it’s normal to feel afraid sometimes, but we don’t have to face our fears alone. God invites us to trust Him and bring every worry to Him, knowing He cares deeply for us, no matter our age.

2) How Can I Use This Time to Point My Children to Christ?

As Christians, we have hope in Christ! Reassure your children that no matter how scared they are, the Lord is working all things for our good.

“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28, CSB)
 “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13, CSB)

Hope brings peace to fear. When our hope is rooted in Jesus, we know that no matter how afraid we are, Christ is faithful and has won!

3) How Can I Practically Comfort My Children While Empowering Them to Face Their Fears?

There are several ways to help your child get through fear and difficult times:

Name and Validate the Fear
 Why it works: When children hear their feelings named (“It sounds like you’re feeling scared about…”), it helps them process the emotion in the brain’s prefrontal cortex, reducing their stress response.
 How to do it: Instead of saying, “Don’t be scared,” say, “I can see this is making you feel afraid. That’s okay. I’m here with you.”

Model Calm Behavior
 Why it works: Children’s nervous systems “mirror” the emotional state of their caregivers (mirror neurons). Your steady voice, slow breathing, and relaxed posture signal safety.
 How to do it: Sit beside them, lower your voice, slow your breathing, and keep your body language open.

Pray with Your Child
 Why it works: Prayer is essential for families. Praying with your children not only teaches them to talk to God, who can calm their fear, but also models the first two points (Naming and Validating, as well as Calmness).
 How to do it: Pray out loud for your child and model calling out to God with our fear. Then ask your child to pray out loud about their fears.

Fear is real, but God’s love is greater. As parents, we have the privilege to walk alongside our children, helping them face their fears with faith and confidence.



All Scripture is taken from the CSB translation.