EMAIL 1
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Subject Line: Navigating Childhood Anxiety
Dear Parents,
When you think about your kids and all they have to deal with in today’s world, there is an issue that continues to be on the rise. Sadly, anxiety is something that is increasingly creeping into the lives of our kids, and it’s something that is starting earlier and earlier in life. Most kids today deal with some sort of anxiety, and, as parents, you have the unique opportunity to pay close attention to what is happening with your kids and help them learn to navigate these very real feelings in healthy ways. This month, we want to help you think about what you can do to be proactive in your child’s struggle with stressors, fears, and anxious thoughts. The Online Parenting Class and Toolbox Resource entitled 10 Ideas To Help Your Child Navigate & Cope With Anxiety will provide you with some suggestions for how you can engage with your child as they encounter these feelings. These resources will place some practical tools at your fingertips that you can use to lean into conversations with your child that will help them grow as they learn how to navigate their thoughts, feelings, and emotions.
To watch this month’s Online Parenting Class video, click the link below.
[ INSERT LINK TO M2P ONLINE PARENTING CLASSÂ VIDEO ]
You can do this! We are always here for you if you need us.
“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
Cheering you on,
[Â INSERT LEADER’S SIGNATUREÂ HEREÂ ]
EMAIL 2
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Subject Line: Helping Your Kids Cope with Anxiety
Dear Parents,
When it comes to helping your children navigate stress and anxiety, what’s your strategy? In today’s world, kids are being forced to grow up and deal with thoughts and issues that their developing brains aren’t equipped to process. Much of their mental and emotional struggles lead them to experience real anxiety that they have no idea how to cope with. As their parent, you are best positioned to help them navigate these thoughts and emotions, and we want to help. This month’s resources are designed to give you helpful and practical ideas/tools to lead your child to a healthy place.
Check out this month’s blog article, “Hope For The Anxious Child: Parenting With Empathy & Wisdom,” and the Toolbox Resource entitled 10 Ideas To Help Your Child Navigate & Cope With Anxiety for some much-needed encouragement and some practical ideas as to what you can do as their parent to help your child learn how to move through life and deal with the anxieties they will no doubt face in a healthy way.
And if you haven’t watched this month’s encouraging Online Parenting Class Video, you still have time. To read the blog article or watch the video, click on the links below.
[ INSERT LINK TO M2P PARENTING BLOGÂ ARTICLE ]
[ INSERT LINK TO M2P ONLINE PARENTING CLASSÂ VIDEO ]
We are in this together! Let us know if there is ever anything we can do for you or your family.
“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
Praying for you as you lead at home,
[INSERT LEADER’S SIGNATURE HERE]
M2P July KIDS Parent Video Script
When my children were little, I remember them being afraid of a variety of things from time to time. Fear of the dark, loud storms, and new situations, to name a few. My oldest slept with her light on for a time because she said she liked it better, which we knew was because the dark was scary for her. My youngest daughter was scared at bedtime because she thought she was going to have bad dreams, so we prayed with her each night and added a little p.s. that her dreams would be filled with puppies, kitties, cupcakes, and sprinkles.
Children typically experience fears at different points growing up, especially during periods of change like going to school for the first time, moving to a new house, meeting new people, or unfamiliar situations. These things are normal, and the anxious behavior kids display typically goes away after a while. It doesn’t downplay children’s concerns at all, and parents’ help to alleviate these fears is vital.
Anxiety is defined as a condition characterized by excessive apprehensiveness about real or perceived threats, typically leading to avoidance behaviors and often to physical symptoms. We know that based on current statistics and studies, anxiety among younger children is on the rise. As parents, we need to be aware of common signs and symptoms children might display and have tools to help them.
Anxiety in kids can present differently than in teens or adults. Chronic tummy aches, headaches, irritability, trouble sleeping, not wanting to be away from parents, and unusual clinginess can all indicate the presence of anxiety. Irrational fears or extreme worry can also be present, making a child feel anxious.
So, what can a parent do if a child displays signs of anxiety? First of all, pray for the Lord’s wisdom and discernment. Ask Him to guide and direct you in addressing your child’s needs and to understand what you’re seeing in his or her behavior. Pray with your child, too. Using scripture as you pray is a wonderful way to plant the seeds of God’s Word in the heart of your child. Helping your child memorize verses about the Lord’s peace, love, and protection is a way to equip them with His truth.
An important tool to embrace is to lead with empathy and compassion. Sometimes our response is to jump in and try to fix the problem, telling our child why they don’t need to be afraid. That’s not a bad approach, but it’s not the first thing a parent should do. Instead, meet your child’s fear first with an abundance of love, understanding, and assurance that all will be okay. Childhood fears and worries are very real and can be overwhelming; offering compassion validates a child’s feelings. Empathy calms an anxious heart. When this is your first response, your child will be better able to feel comforted in the safety of your love. It also opens the door for your child to see the love of Jesus expressed through your actions and to know that He is with them in all things.
Finally, it’s important to know when it’s time to seek professional help. If anxiety doesn’t lessen over a reasonable period of time with your guidance, if fears and worries increase in intensity, or if your child presents with constant physical symptoms, it would be a very good idea to reach out for evaluation and assistance. Start with an exam at your pediatrician’s office to be sure physical symptoms are caused by anxiety or if there are underlying conditions causing problems. Ask church leaders for recommendations of therapists who can help you and your child deal with anxieties. It is especially helpful to see someone who specializes in therapy for children if one is available near you.
Be encouraged that there is hope and healing for your child’s troubled mind and heart. There is wisdom available to you from the Lord, from other parents who have walked the path with an anxious child, and from your church leaders. Lavish your child with empathy and compassion, speak words of God’s truth to him or her and seek professional help when needed.