Unmasking Fear

Fear can show up at any age and in all kinds of ways. As parents, we have a unique opportunity to help our kids name what they’re feeling and replace that fear with God’s truth. We get to remind them who they are, whose they are, and that God is with them in whatever they’re facing.

When our kids know their value and identity are secure in Christ, they don’t have to let fear, comparison, or others' opinions define them. Instead, they can learn to recognize what fear is telling them and come back to what God says is true.

So, when fear starts to creep in, try these steps:

• Acknowledge their feelings. Avoid brushing off their fears as “silly” or “crazy.” Give them space to talk about it. Remind them it’s okay to feel afraid and they don’t have to face that fear alone.

• Use wisdom to set guardrails. We can’t protect our kids from everything, but we can be intentional about what they see and hear. Guardrails aren’t about missing out; they help protect their hearts and minds (Proverbs 4:23). Check out Parent ProTech or Bark to help set parent controls for phones, social media, and more.

• Replace fear with truth. Choose a simple verse your family can come back to when fear feels loud. Start with 2 Timothy 1:7: “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (ESV)

• Model faith over fear. Let your kids see you turn to God when you feel worried or unsure. Talk openly and honestly about what you’re feeling, invite them to pray with you, and show them how you are choosing faith over fear.

We can’t keep fear from showing up, but we can help our kids know where to turn when it does!