Parenting in an Anxious Age
Anxiety is rising in both kids and parents—but how can families respond with wisdom, not fear? In this episode of Digging Deeper, Jeff Norris and Laura Story Elvington are joined by authors Sissy Goff and David Thomas to discuss the root causes of childhood anxiety, the impact of technology and over-information, and how parents can unintentionally reinforce anxious patterns.
With practical strategies and gospel-centered encouragement, this conversation equips you to raise resilient, emotionally healthy kids—and reminds you that it’s never too late to grow as a parent.
Watch the episode below, or keep scrolling to listen to the audio-only version.
Scripture References
- Philippians 4
- Isaiah 41
- Psalm 139
- James 1
- 2 Corinthians 12
- Romans 8
- Proverbs 22
- Deuteronomy 6
Additional Resources
- Pre-order their book, Capable, written to help you raise confident, capable children.
- Get Sissy’s book for parents, Raising Worry-Free Girls, and her book Braver, Stronger, Smarter, for girls age 6 to 11.
- Check out Are My Kids On Track?, by Sissy Goff and David Thomas
- For parents of boys, check out David’s book, Raising Emotionally Strong Boys.
- The book, The Anxious Generation, by Jonathan Haidt, explains how smartphone and social media–driven childhood has fueled a surge in teen anxiety and depression—and offers practical steps to help restore healthier, more resilient development.
- Listen to the Raising Boys and Girls podcast
Listen to this and more episodes on our Digging Deeper podcast, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other streaming platforms.
About Today’s Guests
Sissy and David are the hosts of the Raising Boys and Girls podcast. With 11+ million downloads, their goal is to help people care for the kids in your life with a little more understanding, a little more practical help, and a whole lot of hope.
Sissy is the executive director of Daystar Counseling Ministries in Nashville, Tennessee. Since 1993, she has been helping girls and their parents find confidence in who they are and hope in who God is making them to be. She is the bestselling author of 14 books including her first full-color children’s book, Lucy Learns to be Brave: A Lesson in Courage.
David is the executive director of Daystar Counseling Ministries in Nashville, Tennessee. He is the co-author of eleven books, including his first full-color children’s book, Owen Learns He Has What It Takes: A Lesson in Resilience. He and his wife, Connie, have three adult children, a new son-in-law, a soon-to-be daughter-in-law, and a yellow lab puppy named June.
Their new book, Capable: How to Teach Your Kids the Strengths, Skills, and Strategies to Build Resilience is available April 2026.
