How to Handle Mom Anxiety (and Help Your Son Handle His)

Do you wake up at 3AM with your heart racing, wondering if your son is going to be okay?

You’re not alone.
Whether your son is pulling away, struggling in school, or just plain moody, that pit in your stomach isn’t your imagination. It’s mom anxiety, and it’s real.

But here’s the truth: anxiety doesn’t have to run the show.

In this post, I’m giving you my simple but powerful framework to manage your anxiety and teach your teenage son how to handle his—without lectures or shame.

This is the exact strategy I’ve used (and taught my clients) to go from panicked to peaceful… even in the middle of messy parenting seasons.

Let’s dive in.

What Is “Mom Anxiety,” Really?

Mom anxiety isn’t always clinical.
Sometimes it looks like:

• Constant overthinking

• Feeling overwhelmed by small things

• Overreacting (or underreacting) to your teen’s behavior

• Spiraling into “what if” scenarios

You’re not broken. You’re a mom with a human brain, raising a teenage boy in a wild world.
Of course you feel anxious sometimes.

But anxiety isn’t a parenting strategy. It’s a signal.
And with the right tools, you can respond to that signal instead of reacting from it.

First, Calm Your Nervous System

When you feel that wave of anxiety hit—whether in the carpool line or at 3AM—start here:

Step 1: See yourself

Don’t dismiss your feelings. Don’t shame yourself for “freaking out.”
If your son told you his heart was racing, you’d comfort him—not tell him to “get over it.”
Treat yourself the same way.

Say:

“This makes sense. I love my son, and I’m worried. I’ve got myself.”

Step 2: Dump your brain

Take 10 minutes and do a full thought download.
Write everything down—your to-do list, your fears, your son’s behavior, your frustrations.

Then look at it. Find the uncertainty. That’s where your anxiety lives.

✍️ Example: “He’s being so disrespectful lately. Will he ever learn how to treat people well?”

Now you’re working with something real.

The 3 “Peacekeeper Questions” That Shift Everything

Once you’ve found the anxious thought, use these questions to stop the spiral:

1. Is this a problem?

Sometimes the answer is no.
Maybe your son is just moody because he’s tired. Maybe you’re just overthinking.

2. Is this my problem to solve?

Hard truth? Most of the time—no.
If your son is struggling, it doesn’t always mean you need to fix it.

3. Does this need solving today?

No? Breathe. You’ve got time. Not everything is an emergency.

These questions bring you back to the present, where your power is.

What About His Anxiety?

Research says over 1 in 3 teens struggle with anxiety.
And I’d bet the number is even higher—especially in boys, who aren’t always great at expressing emotion.

Here’s how to help:

1. Stay calm yourself

If your son is spinning and you start spiraling, now you’ve got two anxious people in the house.
Be the calm. Be the anchor.

2. Ask instead of assuming

Use curiosity, not control. Try:

• “What’s been on your mind lately?”

• “Anything feel heavy today?”

• “Want to talk, or want space?”

3. Use the same framework

Teach him the Peacekeeper Questions:

• Is this a real problem?

• Is it mine to solve?

• Does it need solving today?

Help him write down what’s in his head and remind him it’s okay to feel uncomfortable emotions.

Key Takeaways for Managing Mom Anxiety

Here’s your go-to cheat sheet:

• Love yourself through the anxious moments

• Dump your thoughts on paper—get clarity

• Ask your 3 Peacekeeper Questions

• Stay in the present—no spiraling

• Model emotional regulation for your son

• Open communication reduces teen anxiety by up to 40%

And remember—none of this is about being a perfect mom.
It’s about being present and emotionally available.

That’s what your son needs most.

Want More Support? You’re Not Alone.

💬 Join my free private Facebook group just for moms raising teenage boys:
It’s called Raising Boys, Building Men, and inside you’ll find community, support, coaching, and real talk.

We’re in this together—and we’re raising strong, respectful, emotionally healthy men.

👉 Click here to join the group »

Remember, Mom…

You’re doing better than you think.

The fact that you’re reading this, learning new tools, and showing up for your son—even on the hard days? That matters more than you know.

You don’t need to solve every problem. You just need to stay connected.
You’ve got what it takes.

Additional Support:

Visit our website Raisingboysbuildingmen.com HERE

Schedule a FREE Relationship Reconnection Call with Me HERE

Follow us on Instagram HERE

Grab 8 tips to connect with your son today HERE

Related Episodes You Might Enjoy:

Managing Anxiety: Tools and Strategies with Dr. Robin Graham

Your Parenting Why: The Secret That Separates Struggling Moms from Thriving Ones