What is this Waypoint?
God created each of us with a mind, body, heart, and soul. As parents, you have the opportunity to help your child understand that caring for their mental and emotional health is an important part of living as a healthy follower of Jesus.
Every child will experience emotions such as fear, sadness, disappointment, anger, stress, and anxiety. These feelings are not signs of failure—they are opportunities to help your child learn to bring every part of their life to God.
As your child grows, teach them that God cares about what they think, what they feel, and what they are experiencing. Help them know they never have to walk through difficult seasons alone.
"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." — 1 Peter 5:7
Growing in Emotional Health
God created us with emotions, and they serve an important purpose. Rather than ignoring or hiding difficult emotions, help your child learn to recognize them, express them in healthy ways, and process them through the truth of God's Word.
Remind your child that their emotions are real, but they do not define who they are. Their identity is found in Christ, and He is present with them in every circumstance.
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." — Psalm 34:18
Creating a Safe Place
One of the greatest gifts you can give your child is a home where they know they are loved, heard, and safe to share what they are experiencing.
Create regular opportunities to talk about feelings, challenges, friendships, disappointments, and fears. Listen with compassion before offering solutions, and remind your child that asking for help is a sign of wisdom, not weakness.
As parents, we also recognize that some seasons require additional support. God often provides help through trusted friends, pastors, counselors, doctors, and other caring professionals.
"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." — Galatians 6:2
Next Steps:
Here are a few practical ways to help your child develop healthy emotional and spiritual habits.
Create Space for Conversation
Make time to ask about your child's emotions as often as you ask about school, sports, or activities.
Ask questions like:
- What was the best part of your day?
- What felt hard today?
- What has been making you anxious or stressed?
- How can I pray for you?
Model Healthy Emotional Habits
Children learn how to process emotions by watching the adults around them.
Model honesty, humility, repentance, forgiveness, and dependence on God. Let your child see you pray through difficult situations and trust God during challenging seasons.
Point Them to Truth
Help your child understand that while emotions are real, God's truth remains constant.
Encourage them to bring their fears, worries, and questions to God through prayer and Scripture, remembering that He is faithful and always with them.
Know When to Ask for Help
There may be seasons when additional support is needed. Seeking help from a trusted pastor, counselor, physician, or mental health professional is not a sign of weak faith—it can be a wise step in caring for the person God has created.
Pray Together
Pray that your child would grow in faith, resilience, wisdom, and hope. Ask God to guard their heart and mind, remind them of His presence, and surround them with people who will encourage them.
"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... will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." — Philippians 4:6–7
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