We all remember what it felt like, the knot in your stomach when the teacher announced a big test, or the hesitation you felt before flipping over a graded assignment. Maybe for some of you, even the thought of being back in school induces feelings of stress and anxiety. Those moments might be memories for us, but for your teens, it’s their reality. School pressure, looming deadlines, and the fear of falling behind can create a heavy weight for them to carry. And in the midst of that stress, you get to be a steady, supportive voice that anchors them to the Truth.
I may not be a parent yet, but I was recently a student—and a very stressed one. Looking back, there were a few simple things that my parents and other caring mentors did to help support me. Here are three of the most meaningful ways they supported me during those stressful seasons that helped me navigate academics when it felt overwhelming.
- Acknowledge it!
Movies love to exaggerate the idea of a moody teenager slamming their door and yelling, “You don’t understand!” However, the truth is that many teens really do feel misunderstood. Asking thoughtful questions and acknowledging the stress they are carrying can open more doors than you might realize. Whether it’s a 5th-grade quiz, a science presentation, or the SATs, academic stress can cause students to feel paralyzed by pressure to perform. It might seem small compared to the adult responsibilities you manage, but for your teen, these stressors can feel gigantic. Acknowledge that what they are facing is genuinely stressful and refrain from minimizing it. Instead, offer empathy, listen, and encourage them to seek help and support when needed.
- Remind Your Teen of Their Identity
One of the reasons that academic stress feels so heavy is because of the grade attached to it. It is hard to be evaluated so blatantly and consistently without the numbers affecting your sense of self. That’s where you, as a parent, have a powerful opportunity. You get to remind your teenager where their true identity lies. Their worth is not determined by what they accomplish. An “F” on a test does not make them a failure, just as an “A+” doesn’t make them superior. God’s Word never labels them by their report card, but instead calls them:
- Made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27)
- Fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)
- More than conquerors (Romans 8:37)
- Members of God’s household (Ephesians 2:19)
- God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works (Ephesians 2:10)
These truths remain unshakeable regardless of their academic performance. Your teenager doesn’t need to achieve in order to matter—what an incredible Gospel opportunity that is! And you have a front-row seat to speak that identity over them again and again.
- Prayer
When we pray, we trust that God hears us—and no concern is too small for Him. An understated but important way that you can support your teenager is by interceding on their behalf, bringing their schoolwork, deadlines, and worries before the Father. It’s also a powerful opportunity to pray with your teen. I can’t count the number of times I texted my parents before a big exam asking them to pray with me, and I always knew they would. This confidence stemmed from a pattern they established early on: praying about everything. Many of these prayers echoed Philippians 4:6-7, reminding me to bring all of my requests to God and trust that He can provide tangible peace, no matter what the circumstance.
We know that while academic stress comes and goes, God’s character remains unchanged. A foundation of faith and trust in the Lord is worth more than any grade. By listening well, reminding them of the identity God has given them, and praying consistently, you can help transform stressful moments into opportunities for spiritual growth for your teenager. And as you walk with them, trust that He is at work in their hearts—and yours—forming resilience, faith, and deep dependence on Him that will carry them far beyond the classroom.
Kaitlyn Sipes
Ministry Engagement Manager
Photo by sofatutor on Unsplash