Episode Summary:

What if the tears, stomachaches, or sudden mood swings your child is experiencing right now aren’t just “back-to-school nerves”…but signs of anxiety their brain doesn’t yet know how to process?

As backpacks are packed and school doors reopen, many families are quietly navigating a surge of stress, fear, and emotional overwhelm. Your child may not have the words to explain what they’re feeling—but their behavior is speaking loudly. And if you’ve ever felt unsure how to respond…wondered whether to push them forward or pull them close…or questioned if you’re helping or accidentally making it worse—you are not alone. In today’s episode, we’re uncovering what’s really happening beneath the surface of back-to-school anxiety and equipping you with both the neuroscience and the Scripture-based truth you need to help your child move from fear to peace—and from overwhelm to confidence.

Quotables from the episode:

• At its core, anxiety is the brain’s response to perceived threat or uncertainty. Back-to-school introduces a lot of “unknowns”—new teachers, new routines, social dynamics, academic expectations.
• What looks like defiance or avoidance is often distress.
• Anxiety in children is often expressed through the body or behavior rather than words. You might see stomachaches, headaches, irritability, tears, avoidance, or even perfectionism.
• As a parent, I encourage you to look at three things: intensity, duration, and impact. If your child’s distress is ongoing, escalating, or interfering with daily life—like sleep, appetite, or school attendance—it’s likely more than typical stress.
• The key is that we need to learn how to better respond to anxiety, NOT try to avoid it.
• Comforting is good, but what children need first is validation, not correction.
• The goal isn’t to remove anxiety—it’s to teach children how to move through it with confidence.
• Children borrow our nervous system. If we are anxious, they will feel it. But when we are calm, we communicate safety.
• Confidence comes from experience—not avoidance. Each time a child faces something hard and gets through it, the brain rewires to say, “I can handle this.”
• Your presence matters more than your perfection. Your child doesn’t need a flawless parent—they need a connected one.

Scripture References:

• Psalm 56:3 says, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.”
• Colossians 3:12 encourages us to “clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
• 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
• Joshua 1:9 “Be strong and courageous…for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
• Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.”
• Isaiah 41:10 “Do not fear, for I am with you… I will strengthen you and help you.”
• Galatians 6:2 reminds us to “carry each other’s burdens.”
• Proverbs 11:14 says, “In the multitude of counselors there is safety.”
• Philippians 4:6–7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God…”
• Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.”

Recommended Resources:

• Reframing Rejection: How Looking Through a Different Lens Changes Everything By Jessica Van Roekel
• Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
• The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
• Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises from God to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
• Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
• Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide
• Free PDF Resource: How to Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win
• Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
• Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
• Free Webinar: Help for When You’re Feeling Blue

Social Media Links for Host and Guest:

Connect with Rev. Jessica Van Roekel:

Website / Instagram / Facebook

Connect with Dr. Bengtson:

Order Book Sacred Scars / Order Book The Hem of His Garment / Order Book Today is Going to be a Good Day / Order Book  Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /   Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast on Apple

Co-Host:

Jessica Van Roekel is a worship leader, speaker, and writer who believes that through Jesus, personal histories don’t need to define the present or determine the future. She inspires, encourages, and equips others to look at life through the lenses of hope, trust, and God’s transforming grace. Jessica lives in rural Iowa surrounded by wide open spaces which remind her of God’s expansive love. She loves fun earrings, good coffee, and connecting with others.

Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson

Audio Technical Support: Ashton Bengtson