How to Help Children Cope With Anxiety: Practical Parenting Guidance

During uncertain times, when even adults may struggle to process the magnitude of events and worry about the future, many parents feel lost about how to respond, calm their children, and protect their emotional well being. Yet even in moments like these, there are ways to help. We turned to seven professionals from different fields and asked them to share their most important advice.

Creating a Sense of Control

Menucha Fuchs, author, parenting educator and couples counselor

Many parents come to me in tears, asking how to help their children feel less afraid. In normal situations, I would teach parents to help children normalize their feelings. But when the situation itself is so abnormal, we cannot pretend that everything is normal. Instead, we begin from a later stage.

Parents are encouraged to sit with children and talk with them. Allow them to express themselves and ask questions. Then ask them: from everything we discussed, what do you think you can do so you won’t feel anxious all the time? Do not dismiss any idea. Let them pour out their thoughts.

Together, separate what is within your control and what is not. What is not in your control can be placed in prayer, hope and requests. 

Then ask: what is in our control? Children might say: “We can do good deeds,” “We say Tehillim together as a family.”

When children discover their own strengths and abilities, they begin to feel empowered instead of helpless. A sense of control helps them focus on good actions rather than constant fear.

We Are All Children Inside

Eti Rosenzweig, psychodrama therapist and parent counselor

When facing a frightening reality filled with uncertainty and loss of control, we must create inner stability within ourselves, and our homes can become safe spaces.

Fear is a healthy emotion that alerts us to act responsibly, such as seeking shelter or following safety instructions. But fear becomes harmful when it paralyzes us and disrupts daily functioning.

Children often mirror their parents. The younger the child, the more sensitive they are to emotional signals. Parents set the emotional tone, much like a rider guiding a horse. A calm rider leads to a calm horse.

Take time to ask yourself what brings you peace: walking, prayer, learning, creative expression, music, exercise or acts of kindness. When parents regulate themselves, children feel safer.

Offer children creative outlets like drawing or storytelling. Physical affection such as hugs can be very calming. You can practice simple grounding activities together like breathing slowly, counting, singing or quietly sitting together.

Most importantly, limit exposure to news whenever possible.

Understanding Different Coping Styles

Chani Shidlovsky, psychodramatist and social worker

During trauma people tend to react in three ways: fight, flight or freeze. These reactions appear through behavior more than words.

A teenager who withdraws into her room and reads may be in “flight” mode. A child who spends hours saying Tehillim may be in “fight” mode, trying to take action emotionally. Neither response is right or wrong.

When parents understand these patterns, it becomes easier to interpret children’s behavior with compassion rather than frustration. Respecting each child’s coping style helps them eventually regain balance.

Rabbits Against Rockets: A Healing Story

Tzipori Doron, clinical psychologist and therapeutic storyteller

Tzipori shares a gentle story about a small rabbit who faces a frightening missile in the sky. Instead of panicking, the rabbit gathers friends, discovers inner courage, and finds creative ways to feel safe again.

Stories like these allow children to process fear through imagination. They offer distance from reality while still addressing emotions in a safe and comforting way.

Connecting to Your Own Emotions

Batya Wagshal, parenting instructor

Many parenting guides offer techniques and instructions, and they can be helpful. Sometimes however, we are too overwhelmed emotionally to follow structured advice.

First connect to your own feelings. Allow yourself to feel fear, sadness or uncertainty without suppressing them. Only from a place of self compassion can you truly be present for your children.

Some key points:

• It is okay to experience your emotions even in front of your children, as long as you remain grounded.

• Avoid constantly searching for news updates, which can become a form of emotional escape.

• Share information with children in simple language without overwhelming detail.

• Children often take emotional cues from their environment. When parents calm themselves, children naturally feel calmer.

• Positive actions such as prayer, volunteering or acts of kindness strengthen emotional resilience.

What to Do and What Not to Do

Chaya Shadmi, psychotherapist

After the initial shock, parents often wonder how much to tell their children. While we want to protect them, children sense tension anyway, and silence can allow their imagination to create greater fear.

Provide accurate, age appropriate information. Avoid discussing frightening topics among adults in front of children without explanation. Do not expose them to disturbing videos or graphic material.

Children learn more from the emotional atmosphere than from words. Share calmly, validate their feelings and allow them to express themselves openly.

Without Trauma, Without Scars

Breina Shapira, emotional therapist

A mother is often the emotional anchor of the home. Children observe her reactions and draw strength from her stability.

A parent who maintains faith, preserves routine and focuses on what strengthens the family naturally communicates resilience. Taking care of your own emotional wellbeing is not selfish; it is essential.

Find small ways to recharge yourself. Positive energy within the parent spreads throughout the home. When children see calm confidence, they internalize security rather than fear.

In times of uncertainty, there is no single perfect response. Yet through honest conversations, emotional awareness, and small acts of meaning and connection, families can create islands of safety even during the most difficult moments.