How a close encounter in the Rockies shaped my understanding of fear and faith as a preteen.
The Beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park
Ahhh, Rocky Mountain fresh air. I can still remember the smell of the trees and forests of the Rockies from my preteen years.
One summer, we were setting up camp in Rocky Mountain National Park. It was a beautiful day, and we had nearly finished pitching the tent and were about to start dinner. By then, my two brothers, my parents, and I had camping down to an artful rhythm who helped with what and how we worked together as a team.
About an hour before we arrived, my mom decided it would be helpful to read to us about the park. There were interesting facts and plenty of tidbits I found amusing. Then she moved on to the section about bear safety.
It seemed to go on… and on… and on.
I remember my preteen brain processing it like this:
- Hmm… that’s good to know.
- Okay, I get it how much more bear safety do we need?
- Ha, we’ll never use this. When would we ever see a bear?
- I guess it’s helpful… just in case.
- Actually… I really hope I never need to use any of this.
When Fear Becomes Real
About an hour after we arrived, as we were finishing setting up camp, I walked back from the car toward the tent and everyone froze.
My mom said, “Don’t move.”
I looked across our campsite. In our neighbor’s campground stood a large black bear, paws up on the picnic table, nose buried deep inside a massive bag of marshmallows.
My preteen brain went blank like a whiteboard being erased. All bear safety protocol disappeared. Fear washed over me. I backpedaled to the car and climbed inside as fast as I could.
The apostle Paul wrote these words to young Timothy to encourage him through fearful moments:
2 Timothy 1:7 says:
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
A Preteen’s Response to Information
I was a typical preteen in my thinking:
- I’ll listen maybe I’ll need this.
- Okay, enough already I get the idea.
- I’m probably never going to use this.
- Hopefully, I never will.
As I reflect on this story now, I’m reminded that even as an adult, I am constantly discerning information and experiences. And it is my responsibility to help my own preteen and the preteens I influence for Christ learn how to discern truth and handle fear.
This is the foundation of faith we build through Christ-centered parenting and spiritual parenting teaching preteen about faith in real, everyday moments, not just in family devotionals. Faith formation for preteens happens when we help them develop a biblical worldview for preteen that addresses their real fears with God’s real truth.
I can prepare all I want for what life might bring, but only God can prepare my mind and heart for what I truly need.
What the Bible Says About Fear and Anxiety
Philippians 4:8 reminds us:
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things.”
That night, I had a choice. My mom said I could sleep alone in the car or join the family in the tent.
I was terrified.
I remember hearing sounds all night, wondering if I would be okay. I prayed through the night. I asked for my mom again and again. And as a preteen, it became one of my first real lessons in trusting God with my fearful thoughts.
Parenting Preteens Through Fear and Anxiety
What fears does your preteen carry right now?
Have you asked them recently?
Do they know what the Bible says is true about fear and anxiety?
Now is the time. Preteens are ready to share and willing to listen. The years ahead will bring bigger challenges and more complex fears. Build their faith and trust-in-God muscle now, so they know the source and power of Christ as they continue to grow.
This discipleship journey of raising godly children means addressing their fears head-on with Scripture and truth. Whether it’s fear of social situations, academic pressure, or the unknown, parenting preteens through anxiety requires intentional family faith formation and consistent pointing them back to God’s promises.
Need practical tools to help your preteen navigate fear and anxiety? Explore Christian parenting resourcesincluding devotionals for preteens, Bible study for tweens focused on overcoming fear, and family faith habits that build courage. Because the trust they learn now will carry them through whatever challenges lie ahead.