Messy Family Podcast : Catholic Conversations on Marriage and Family

MFP 353: Why are Kids so Anxious?


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Summary

Why are today's kids more anxious than ever before? Mike and Alicia dive into the growing epidemic of anxiety among children and teens – and how modern parenting, technology, and culture all play a role. Drawing insights from Jonathan Haidt's The Anxious Generation, they explore what happens when we overprotect kids in the real world but underprotect them online.

From overscheduled lives and endless screen time to lack of sleep, nutrition, and authentic relationships, today's children are under tremendous pressure. But there's hope. The Hernons share concrete, faith-filled ways parents can lead with confidence, slow down family life, and raise children who are resilient, humble, and rooted in reality – not comparison.

If you've ever wondered how to calm the chaos and restore peace to your home, this episode offers clarity, conviction, and encouragement for every Catholic parent.

Key Takeaways
  • Slow down, do less, accept your child for who they are

  • Have a Consistent bedtime and eat together

  • Lead your family with confidence

  • Indoctrinate your children with your philosophy

  • Teach them humility. Humble kids become content adults

  • Put them in healthy social environments and enjoy true leisure

Couple Discussion Questions
  1. Look at your schedule and ask yourself WHY - examine each activity and make sure you are intentional about it

  2. Do we think our children are anxious? Why and what can we change?

Resources

Take our 2025 Listener Survey!

Everything we do here at the Messy Family Project is for couples and families! We work hard to support and encourage moms and dads as they do the hard work of raising children, managing homes and forming a solid, Catholic family culture.

In our survey this year, we are asking for you to share with us some of your greatest challenges and what resources will help you the most. If you have done our survey in the past, please do it again! The more people we have take it, the more effective the information is.

So will you take a few minutes to click on the link below and fill out our survey?

This survey helps us create new products, target our podcasts to serve your needs better, and gives us a deeper insight into the lives of parents today. Will you help us out?

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MXKQLYW

Check out our Amazon Storefront for the Anxious Generation! https://www.amazon.com/shop/messyfamilyproject?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_BS8NWGQYFJSSV1CQ6XBY

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Messy Family Podcast : Catholic Conversations on Marriage and FamilyBy Mike and Alicia Hernon : Catholic Marriage Parent and Family

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