Kids today are more anxious than ever. Why is that? 

Clinical director of Counseling Services at Winning at Home, Emilie DeYoung, says two factors that are contributing significantly to mental health challenges are living in the digital age and living in an achievement oriented, performance-based culture.

She says that even in this age of influencers, parents remain the most important influencers and sources of support. Parents, you matter!!!

Emilie says that we can help our anxious kids learn resilience and gain confidence. We can also send the message of their worth by celebrating their character traits, like the fruit of the Spirit, rather than only seeing their accomplishments.

Perry opens up about a high schooler who recently found herself paralyzed by anxiety and unable to go to school. Emilie says it’s not uncommon for young people to feel overwhelmed by their commitments. They feel like they’re never enough. We can let them know they don’t have to do it all.

And our identity as “loved” is not dependent on our performance. Honestly, we need to hear that message as much as our anxious kids do.

Also in the podcast, the way of our culture does not lead us to God. At the beginning of 2025 Shawna is asking God to reorder her desires. She knows it will come with opposition because it’s the opposite of the direction the world is going, but He’s so worthy of it. Jesus is worth it!

And last, when we’re on mission with Jesus, he will prompt us toward open doors. Perry shares the story of how the Spirit prompted him to show up at the home of his college basketball coach, and the amazing way God worked in that!