Anxiety in Kids: When to Pray, When to Get Help (or Both)

Watching your child struggle with anxiety can feel like a punch to the gut. Maybe your once-confident kid now dreads school. Maybe bedtime brings tears and fears of something terrible happening. Or perhaps they seem stuck in a constant loop of “what-ifs,” needing repeated reassurance, struggling to sleep, or even complaining of stomachaches that the doctor says have no medical cause.

You’re not imagining it—anxiety in children is more common than we’d like to admit. And for parents, the pressure to “fix it” can be overwhelming. At our biblical counseling center, one question comes up again and again: Should we just pray… or is it time to get help?

Our answer? Yes. To both.

Let’s walk through how to respond to your child’s anxiety with prayer, practical tools, and the peace of God’s Word.

Understanding What Anxiety Looks Like in Kids

All kids experience fear—it's a normal part of growing up. But when fear starts to take over daily life, keeping your child from enjoying school, sleep, or friendships, it may be more than just a passing phase.

Children with anxiety might not say “I’m anxious.” Instead, you might see repeated meltdowns, perfectionism, clinginess, or physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches. They may avoid situations, obsess over little things, or have sudden panic-like reactions that seem out of proportion.

Some common forms of anxiety in kids include:

• Generalized anxiety: chronic worry about a wide variety of things

• Separation anxiety: distress about being away from parents or caregivers

• Social anxiety: fear of embarrassment or being judged by others

• Panic attacks: sudden, overwhelming fear often accompanied by shaking, sweating, or shortness of breath

  
  

Recognizing these signs is the first step toward responding with wisdom and grace.

A Biblical Lens on Fear

The Bible doesn’t shy away from the topic of anxiety. Instead, it meets us right in the middle of it.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7

These verses aren’t commands to suppress fear—they’re invitations. God never asks us (or our kids) to manage fear on our own. He calls us to bring it to Him.

Children don’t need to understand deep theology to learn that God is present. Even a simple truth—“Jesus is with me when I’m scared”—can be a lifeline in moments of distress.

When to Pray

Prayer is never a last resort. It's the first and most powerful step we can take—not because it replaces action, but because it connects us to the Source of all comfort and wisdom.

Children can be taught to turn to God in fear with age-appropriate tools like:

• Simple breath prayers, such as “When I am afraid, I will trust in You” (Psalm 56:3)

• Memorizing verses about peace and protection

• Listening to worship music during stressful moments

• Drawing or journaling fears as an act of giving them to God

  
  

Parents can also model this by praying with and over their child daily. A prayerful home is a powerful place of refuge.

When to Get Help

Sometimes, anxiety becomes too big for a child—or their parent—to manage alone. And here’s the truth: getting help is not a failure of faith. It’s an act of faithful parenting.

Professional support may be needed if your child’s anxiety begins to:

• Disrupt sleep, school, or relationships

• Cause them to avoid things they once loved

• Persist despite your prayer and at-home efforts

  
  

Biblical counselors are uniquely equipped to help children explore their fears, develop coping strategies, and reframe anxious thoughts through both biblical truth and psychological insight. This is not an either/or—it’s a powerful both/and.

Why It’s Not Either/Or

God created our minds, our emotions, and our bodies—and He works through all of them. He gives us His Spirit, yes. But He also gives us tools: trained counselors, wise friends, medical support, and more. Faith and practical support are not enemies. They are allies. In this partnership, counselors play a vital role—not as substitutes for faith, but as instruments God can use to bring clarity, healing, and growth. A trained counselor, especially one who operates from a biblical worldview, can help individuals untangle the lies they’ve believed, process pain in light of truth, and move toward wholeness. Rather than being opposed to spiritual growth, effective counseling often deepens it by equipping people to better understand themselves, others, and God. Not all counselors are enemies of the Church or of faith—many are allies, walking alongside the hurting in the trenches, pointing them toward hope, and helping them develop tools that align with God's design for healing. They are companions on the journey, offering wisdom, compassion, and evidence-based support that can work hand-in-hand with prayer, Scripture, and the work of the Holy Spirit.

So don’t feel like you have to choose between prayer and professional help. Use both, and trust God to work through each.

What You Can Do at Home

Even if your child is receiving counseling—or even if they’re not—there are meaningful steps you can take right where you are:

• Keep daily routines predictable and peaceful

• Talk about emotions openly; validate, don’t dismiss

• Show calm responses to stress (they’re watching!)

• Practice grounding techniques like deep breathing or naming five things they see

• Involve trusted members of your church community

  
  

Remember, you don’t have to become a therapist. You just need to be a calm, loving presence.

Don’t Walk Alone—Invite the Church

The Church was never meant to be a place where families silently struggle. It’s meant to be a body—a living support system. Don’t hesitate to reach out to children’s ministry leaders, youth group mentors, pastoral counselors, or prayer teams.

Let your church family be part of the healing journey. Often, they want to help—but they need to be invited in.

Final Encouragement

If your child is wrestling with anxiety, know this: you are not alone. God is with you, and He is with your child. You don’t have to have all the answers. Starting with prayer is beautiful. Seeking help is brave. Doing both is faithful.

We’d love to help you take the next step. We periodically host workshops- reach out if you or your church is interested in exploring this topic in more depth. Click here for recordings of this material. 

Want to talk with someone about your child’s anxiety? Contact our Biblical Counseling Center to schedule a consultation or receive a trusted referral. You don’t have to carry this alone. There is help. And there is hope.

Helpful Resources for Parents

• When I Am Afraid by Edward T. Welch (children’s book)

• Anxious for Nothing by Max Lucado (devotional for parents)

• Scripture memory cards for kids