Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast! 

In today’s episode I am joined by Caris Snider.

Caris is a Christian Communicator who shares the hope of God through speaking, and leading worship. She is the recent author of Anxiety Elephants 31 Day Devotional.  Her passion for the Lord comes through as she shares from her experiences of overcoming depression and anxiety. Her desire is to help women of all ages with their faith and mental health journey.

In this episode, Somer and Caris discuss anxiety and the toll it is taking on our kids. Children even in fifth grade are confessing to struggle with anxiety, and as parents we have to face it with them. Our children live in a world after a life-changing pandemic, being forced into isolation and fear of an invisisble virus, now growing fears of "World War III" with the Ukrainian war, and prevelant social media exposure. Not to mention the other life struggles teens may face like "Should I go to college?"  "Can I afford college" and "What am I going to do with my life, what major or job should I get?" On top of it all, new life changes like dating, learning how to drive, the list goes on... our teens and tweens are dealing with plenty of stress and uncertain futures. How do we help them through it? 

Caris walks us through Scripture, the practical advice God gives us in the Bible for dealing with anxiety, the scientific explanations for what anxiety is and what it does with our brain chemistry, and the best thing you can do as a parent to help prepare your child for this world. 

Thank you for being here today. Now, let's dive into the conversation! 

You can connect with Caris Snider through Instagram, and her webste. 

You can also order her new book! 

 

FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS

Our tweens and teens are experiencing a lot of uncertainty in their lives, witnessing the pandemic, now the Ukrainian war, people talking about "World War III", inflation, election season, etc. On top of it all, they're experiencing interpersonal drama with friends, romantic interests, teachers, coaches, and having new learning experiences like driving and wondering about college. There is a lot of stress. 

 

Symptoms of Anxiety to look out for in your child:

-Stomach aches

-Raised heart rate 

-Heavy chest, chest aches

-Difficulty verbalizing 

-Unregulated emotions, i.e. crying easily, anger 

 

Things which can trigger anxiety:

-Lack of sleep

-Caffiene (energy drinks, coffee, etc) 

-Upcoming tests

 

It is important to create safe spaces for our kids, places where they can talk about their struggles and not feel judged or condemned. Conversation is critical. 

 

"Need to know basis" what a fourteen year old knows doesn't necessarily need to be what a ten year old child knows. Have appropriate conversations with age levels, but also not be afraid of going into tough topics, like body changes. We have to talk with our kids before the World does. 

 

There is a difference between boys and girls, but boys still need our attention and conversations--maybe just in a different way. 

 

REMEMBER

The Bible is full of coping mechanisms--God knows we deal with anxiety. 

Scripture talks about breathing, a tool to calm our bodies. Scripture talks about grateful hearts, and science has shown gratitude repels anxiety. Scripture talks about a peace beyond understanding when we come to Jesus. 

 

You're doing a better job than you think. 

 

There is nothing wrong with seeking help: counseling and therapy for your child, and if necessary, medication--there is no shame in it. Taking medicine for a broken arm is no different than taking medicine to balance brain chemistry. 

 

Have a support system, have people to lift you up and pray for you; and pray for your child. 

 

SCRIPTURE 

Psalms 94:19

Philipians 4:6-8

Galatians 6:9

 

Connect with Somer! 

Stay connected to Somer and the Love Where You Are podcast through her Facebook & Instagram! Now, go love where you are and live on mission for Jesus today.