In this episode of The Hope + Help Project, Christine Chappell interviews author/speaker Jessica Thompson on the topic of her new book, How to Help Your Anxious Teen. During the conversation, Jessica unpacks some of the commonly overlooked factors that can contribute to our teen's anxiety, the harmful ways parents sometimes approach helping their child, and how the gospel of Jesus Christ offers teens and parents alike the assurance and hope needed to walk through anxiety recovery. She also explains the dangerous effects of "helicopter parenting," why today's culture has a disdain for normalcy, and the importance of fostering an environment of grace and age-appropriate transparency in our homes.
Anxiety is real, and it can grab a hold of your life in a very powerful way. So, what a great opportunity for you to say to your kid, "I'm in this with you for the long haul. I am standing next to you, I am holding your hand, I'm praying for you, I'm going to do whatever it takes to let you know you're not alone."
About the Podcast
The Hope + Help Podcast offers compassionate biblical conversations about life's challenging problems. The purpose of the podcast is to share Christ-centered comfort and clarity for those seeking biblical solutions for the struggles they face. The podcast accomplishes this by offering a mix of interviews with seasoned biblical counseling professionals and ministry leaders on a variety of topics. Listeners can expect to receive biblical wisdom as well as practical steps for facing suffering, struggling, and sin with courage and grace. Hosted by author/writer Christine M. Chappell.
About the Guest
Jessica is the author of several books and is a frequent conference speaker. Her heart is to see women, families, and children freed from the bondage of moralism. She is a contributor at Christ Hold Fast. She is also a part of the podcast Front Porch with the Fitzes.
Jess has a Bachelor's Degree in Theology and with her mother, Elyse Fitzpatrick, she co-authored the books Give Them Grace , Answering Your Kids' Toughest Questions, and Mom, Dad… What’s Sex? She has also written, Everyday Grace: Infusing All Your Relationships With the Love of Jesus, Exploring Grace Together: 40 Devotionals for the Family. Jess believes the truth that salvation is "naked confidence in the mercy of God."
Jess has a Bachelor's Degree in Theology and with her mother, Elyse Fitzpatrick, she co-authored the books Give Them Grace , Answering Your Kids' Toughest Questions, and Mom, Dad… What’s Sex? She has also written, Everyday Grace: Infusing All Your Relationships With the Love of Jesus, Exploring Grace Together: 40 Devotionals for the Family. Jess believes the truth that salvation is "naked confidence in the mercy of God."
About the Book
How to Help Your Anxious Teen: Discovering the Surprising Sources of Their Worries and Fears • If your son or daughter is suffering from anxiety, you probably have more questions than answers: What is causing the anxiety? Is this normal teenage angst or something more serious? What can I do to help?
Jessica Thompson, the mother of three teens, has seen kids struggle with anxiousness. She wants you to understand the issues surrounding teenage anxiety and how our culture, the church, and perhaps even you may be contributing to the problem.
The culture tells kids that it’s not okay to be normal, that social media is vital to their well-being, and that athletic, academic, and other accolades are all-important.
The church, though well-intentioned, sometimes places undue pressure on teens to “do big things for God” and “be the best Christian you can be.”
Caring parents may inadvertently overcorrect their teens’ behavior and try to control it (“helicopter parenting”). They may also use their kids’ accomplishments to build their own identity or try to be their children’s best friend.
But there is help and hope for you and your teenager. When you equip yourself with truth from the gospel and the rest of God’s Word, you can help your child to cope with anxiety, and your family can experience greater freedom and peace.
Jessica Thompson, the mother of three teens, has seen kids struggle with anxiousness. She wants you to understand the issues surrounding teenage anxiety and how our culture, the church, and perhaps even you may be contributing to the problem.
The culture tells kids that it’s not okay to be normal, that social media is vital to their well-being, and that athletic, academic, and other accolades are all-important.
The church, though well-intentioned, sometimes places undue pressure on teens to “do big things for God” and “be the best Christian you can be.”
Caring parents may inadvertently overcorrect their teens’ behavior and try to control it (“helicopter parenting”). They may also use their kids’ accomplishments to build their own identity or try to be their children’s best friend.
But there is help and hope for you and your teenager. When you equip yourself with truth from the gospel and the rest of God’s Word, you can help your child to cope with anxiety, and your family can experience greater freedom and peace.
About Your Host
Christine M. Chappell
Author/Writer/Speaker
Christine Chappell is the author of Clean Home, Messy Heart, Help! My Teen is Depressed, and is the host of IBCD's Hope + Help Podcast. She is passionate about advocating for biblical one-another care and discipleship in the context of the local church. Her writing has been featured at Desiring God, The Gospel Coalition, Risen Motherhood, Servants of Grace, and other Christian platforms. Christine blogs regularly at christinemchappell.com and lives in South Carolina with her husband and three children.
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