Parenting Through Financial Stress: A Guide for Kids with Anxiety

In today’s economy, everything feels uncertain. Prices are up. Interest rates are high. Jobs feel less secure. Many families are cutting back on spending, delaying vacations, or worrying about how to make ends meet. It’s tough enough to manage your own financial stress. But what happens when kids with anxiety pick up on that stress and starts worrying too?

For anxious kids and teens, the unknowns of life—like money problems—can feel especially overwhelming. Even if you haven’t said much, your child may sense your stress. They may hear snippets of conversations, notice changes in your routines, or feel tension in the air. And because anxious kids tend to fill in the blanks with worse-case scenarios, they may be assuming things are worse than they are.

If your child is starting to worry about your family’s finances, you’re not alone. And there are things you can do to help them feel safe, supported, and less anxious—even if you don’t have all the answers right now.

Why Financial Stress Affects Kids with Anxiety

Children are observant. Even if you don’t talk openly about money, they can sense when something is off. Maybe you’ve stopped ordering takeout or canceled a weekend trip. Maybe you’re quieter, more irritable, or staying up later than usual. An anxious child may pick up on these changes and begin to imagine the worst.

Here are a few ways financial stress can show up in anxious kids:

• They start asking questions like, “Are we going to lose our house?” or “Are we poor now?”
• They stop asking for things they used to enjoy, like going out for ice cream or doing a sport.
• They become more controlling or perfectionistic, trying to “help” by getting better grades or saving money.
• They act out or become clingy, struggling with separation or sleep.

These behaviors are not meant to be dramatic or difficult. They’re signs that your child is trying to make sense of something that feels big and scary.

What You Can Do for Kids with Anxiety : Strategies for Parents

You can’t erase financial stress, but you can help your child feel emotionally safe and grounded, even in hard times. Here are some specific strategies:

Check in – even if they haven’t said anything yet

If your child is anxious by nature and you’re going through a financially stressful time, assume they’ve noticed. Start the conversation gently:

“Hey, I’ve noticed you’ve been a little quiet lately. I wonder if you’ve been worried about anything?”

If they don’t open up right away, that’s okay. You’ve let them know it’s safe to talk. Keep the door open:

“If you ever have questions about anything—money, school, anything at all—you can always ask me. I’ll always tell you the truth in a way that makes sense.”

Give age-appropriate information—not adult-level stress

Honesty builds trust, but too much detail can increase anxiety. You want to be real without transferring the emotional weight onto your child. For example:

• Too much detail: “We’re thousands of dollars in debt and the bills are piling up. I don’t know what to do.”
• Balanced honesty: “Yes, money is a little tight right now. We’re being careful about spending, and we’re making a plan to get through it. It’s not your job to worry—we’re the grown-ups, and we’ve got this.”

Your tone matters. If you sound calm and confident (even if you’re faking it a bit), your child will feel more secure.

Correct catastrophic thinking 

Anxious kids often imagine the worst. If your child says something like, “Are we going to be homeless?” or “Are you going to lose your job?” respond with reassurance and facts.

“That’s a scary thought, isn’t it? I understand why your brain might go there. But no, we’re not losing our house. We’re just making some temporary changes to how we spend money. We’re going to be okay.”

You’re not dismissing their fears—you’re grounding them in reality.

Let kids with anxiety help in ways that are healthy

Anxious kids often want to do something to feel in control. Let them help—but in ways that are age-appropriate and not overwhelming.

For example:

• Let them help plan a budget-friendly meal.
• Have a “no-spend weekend” and make it a fun challenge.
• Encourage them to get creative with free activities (bike rides, library visits, game nights).

Praise their efforts, but don’t make them feel responsible for fixing anything. The goal is empowerment, not pressure.

Model healthy coping with financial stress 

Your child learns a lot by watching how you handle challenges. If you’re constantly snapping at them or talking negatively about money, they’ll associate money with fear and conflict.

You don’t need to pretend everything is perfect – but let them see you using tools to manage stress:

• “I’m feeling a little stressed about money today, so I’m going for a walk to clear my head.”
• “Dad and I are going over the budget tonight so we can make a plan. That helps us feel more in control.”

You’re showing them that even hard feelings can be handled in healthy ways.

Create predictability for them where you can

When money feels uncertain, structure and routine can help kids feel grounded. Keep regular mealtimes, bedtime rituals, and weekend routines as much as possible.

Even something simple like a Friday night pizza-and-movie night (homemade pizza works!) can become an anchor in the storm.

Watch for signs that anxiety is getting bigger

Some worry is normal. But if your child’s anxiety is affecting their sleep, appetite, schoolwork, or relationships, they may need extra support.

Red flags to watch for:

• Trouble falling or staying asleep
• Frequent stomachaches or headaches
• Avoidance of school or activities they used to enjoy
• Constant reassurance-seeking or panic

If you’re seeing these signs, consider reaching out to a therapist like myself who specializes in child or teen anxiety. Short-term, skills-based counseling can make a big difference.

Reassure them of what won’t change

Even if your financial situation is changing, there are constants in your child’s life that you can highlight:

“No matter what, we love you. You’re safe. We’re a team, and we’ll get through this together.”

When kids hear this message regularly, it helps them anchor themselves emotionally—even if things around them feel shaky.

Real-Life Example: A 10-Year-Old Who Stopped Asking for Anything

One mom noticed her 10-year-old daughter, Mia, had stopped asking for treats, outings, or new books—things she used to enjoy. When the mom asked why, Mia said, “I know you’re worried about money, so I don’t want to be a burden.”

The mom was heartbroken—but also grateful that Mia had spoken up. She responded, “Thank you for telling me. It’s true that we’re being more careful with money right now. But taking care of you is always a priority. You are never a burden. Let’s work together to find fun things we can do that don’t cost much.”

They created a “Fun on a Budget” jar filled with ideas like baking cookies, going on nature walks, or having a living room dance party. Mia relaxed, knowing she could still have fun—and that her parents were in charge of the hard stuff.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need to Be Perfect—Just Present 

If your anxious child is worried about your financial stress, the most important thing you can offer is connection. They don’t need you to have all the answers. They need to know they’re not alone.

By checking in, offering reassurance, and modeling calm—even in the face of real challenges—you help your child build resilience. They learn that hard times come and go, but love, safety, and connection remain.

And that’s a lesson that will carry them far beyond this economic season.

Need More Support for Your Kids with Anxiety?

If your child is struggling with anxiety related to financial stress—or any stress—I can help. My counseling practice specializes in helping kids and teens learn practical skills to overcome worry, perfectionism, and life’s big unknowns. Contact me today to learn more about my solution-focused brief therapy approach.

Begin Anxiety Counseling in Chicago, Illinois and Florida for Anxious Kids and Teens!

If your child or teen is struggling with anxiety, there is hope! Anxiety is highly treatable and child therapy for anxiety treatment at Briefly Counseling can help.

Using Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, I help kids and teens reduce their anxiety and build resilience so they can become a happier, more confident version of themselves.

And kids love being able to receive counseling from the comfort and privacy of their own home. Studies have consistently proven that online therapy delivers equal results to in-office counseling.

As an experienced and caring child therapist in Chicago, IL and FL, I love providing counseling for anxiety. To start your child’s counseling journey, call me at 224-236-2296 or complete my Contact Form to schedule a FREE 20-minute consultation.

Helena Madsen, MA, LCPC is the founder of Briefly Counseling. I specialize in providing online short-term anxiety treatment for kids and teens ages 7 – 18 as well as Christian counseling.

Whether you’re on the North Shore, in Naperville, Chicago, Champaign, Barrington, Libertyville, Glenview, or downstate Illinois, I can help.

I am now also licensed in Florida! For parents in Jacksonville, Pensacola, Destin, Crestview, Coral Gables, Weston, Parkland, Naples, Marco Island, and Pinecrest, I have immediate openings.

Schedule your appointment or consultation today. I look forward to working with your child to quickly and effectively help them in activating their strengths, resources, and resilience, in order to live with confidence and hope.