In recent years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that suicide rates among children aged 10 to 14 have almost tripled over the past decade, but the proportion of older teens has increased by 76%. Reversing this trend remains an important issue due to the continued global challenges and uncertainties.
Among the many challenges children face today is the blow to mental health and therefore emotional health. Research continues to examine the psychological effects on children. Children can experience social isolation, health fears, and surrounding uncertainty, and parents don’t always know how to deal with difficult situations. All of these can easily lead to depression.
More than one in five Americans suffer from mental illness.
Recent research shows that more than one in five Americans suffer from mental illness. When studying charts, it is clear that younger demographics result in greater distress.
There are many good advice on spending time outside, staying connected with people, being grateful, and managing negative thoughts. However, some advice recommends focusing on what you feel strongly, what you feel control, and what you feel abilities. Such advice makes me laugh. Because the moment I think I’m strong, or the moment I’m in control of life, I feel like I’m hit by a wave of reality that is out of control.
The better thing than feeling control is knowing deep within my heart that God is in control. I gave him my life and it is in his hands so that my loving father thinks he is healthy, and I’m fine with it. If the worst happens and I die, it’s actually the best.
The only thing I can rely on is God, His Word, and the truth of the Bible.
This world cannot be 100% dependent on physically, relationally, materially, or related. The only thing I can rely on is God, His Word, and the truth of the Bible. His words bring great comfort and can be said in Psalm 23 No. 23 David. “The Lord is my shepherd. I do not want it.”
Hebrews 11:6 says that it is impossible to please God without faith. And what do you know? Our faith not only pleases him, but gives us peace that passes through understanding. Philippians 4:6 says: “Don’t worry about anything, but let God know your demands by prayer and pleading. And God’s peace, which exceeds all understanding, protects your heart and heart to Christ Jesus.”
I want you to challenge your kids to do two things to help them in the struggle with anxiety:
1. Model Faith for your kids
First, develop an unwavering faith in your own Heavenly Father. That way they can emulate you. Talk about how you’re doing it. If they do so, they don’t only think “Dad is very cold”, but rather “Dad is resting on God.”
Children learn more from what we do than we say.
Children learn more from what we do than we say. When you look to God’s Word in stressful times, pray about your concerns, and see them find peace in his promises, they will naturally begin to develop these same healthy spiritual habits.
2. Build daily mental habits
Second, spend time with them in words and prayers. Tell me how you spend your time with God on your own every day. Deuteronomy 6:7 says of God’s command, “You will teach them eagerly to your children, and when you sit in your house and walk along the way, and when you lie down, and when you stand up, and this exercise will develop and deepen your relationship with you, just as you do.”
Here are some additional practices that will help children manage their anxiety through a biblical perspective:
Bible Memorization: Psalm 56:3, “When I was afraid, I have placed my trust in you.” Help children remember poems about God’s care and protection. Journaling of Prayer: For older children, write down their concerns, then encourage them to write down their concerns and write a prayer about each one to give God their concerns. Calm prayer: Teach your children to take a deep breath while they say short prayers like “God is with me” and “Jesus, give me peace.” Bedtime Blessings: Establish a routine of praying your child at bedtime and ask God to give him peace of mind and freedom from worry.
The world is a crazy and uncertain place, but God’s love for us is solid.
The world is a crazy and uncertain place, but God’s love for us is solid. You will be informed of what is going on, but don’t let TV and social media news feed your family a stable diet. Feed the Word of God and trust your heavenly Father.
Fred Ply is the vice president of administration for Children’s Evangelion Fellowship® (CEF®), the world’s most impactful ministry of children’s evangelion, and in 2024 reached over 27.4 million children. He was subsequently invited to lead US ministries, and since 2024 he has served as Vice President of Management and has provided further leadership to the organization as one of the executive staff at CEF.
CEF® I have it wonderful prayer for Children, include “every day and God” series and “wonder Prayer Book. Please see for more details. cefpress.com.
