Books for kids who worry

[Guest guest]

A friend told me about this book:

What to Do when You Worry Too Much: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming Anxiety

FROM THE PUBLISHER

What to Do When You Worry Too Much is an interactive self-help book designed

to guide 6-12 year olds and their parents through the techniques most often

used in the treatment of generalized anxiety. Metaphors and humorous

illustrations make difficult concepts easy to understand, while prompts to

draw and write help children to master new skills related to reducing

anxiety. Engaging, encouraging, and easy to follow, this book educates,

motivates, and empowers children to work towards change. Includes a note to

parents by psychologist and author Dawn Huebner, Ph.D.

ALSO FOUND THIS BOOK:

What to Do When You're Scared and Worried: A Guide for Kids

FROM THE PUBLISHER

What are you afraid of? Thunderstorms? The dark? Bullies? Tests? Terrorism?

Monsters? Nightmares? Making mistakes? Not fitting in at school? Being away

from your parents? Being home alone? Everyone has fears and worries some of

the time. But you don't have to stay scared and worried. This book can help.

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature - Elaine Wick

This great little book about fears and worries offers a sort of self-help

guide to children. Dr. Crist first offers supportive information on the

fears and worries most kids have, then provides basic information on bigger

issues, including phobias, separation anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder,

panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress

disorder, and receiving counseling. Fear of thunderstorms, getting laughed

at, not fitting in, and other concerns are presented as common to children

and as not always easy to discuss. The value of thinking about a fear or

worry in a new way is a prevalent theme. Numerous exercises for children are

provided, such as listing fears and worries. The author then presents ten

" Fear Chasers and Worry Erasers. " For example, he suggests that kids " flip

the switch " from negative to positive thinking or make a fear scale as ways

of facing scary situations. Vignettes of children doing these are sprinkled

throughout, and simple illustrations and summaries of important points make

the information inviting to read. The book includes a short resource list

for kids. And there's a " Note to Grown-ups " on the subjects covered, with

its own resource and reference list. A nice touch for children is an

invitation by Dr. Crist to email or write him about their problems or

questions. This book is a good resource for all libraries. 2004, Works for

Kids/Free Spirit Publishing, Ages 8 to 13.

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-An easy-to-follow, self-help tool that will be invaluable for kids

who struggle with fears or worries. Part one deals with normal anxiety,

offering detailed steps for developing 10 coping mechanisms. Expert help is

needed to deal with the more serious problems discussed in Part two (e.g.,

phobias, separation anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder). Throughout, the

author provides information, case histories, and coping skills in a manner

that is both reassuring and encouraging. The physiological, psychological,

and social aspects of fears and anxiety are clearly explained. Tools, such

as journaling, are thoroughly described so that readers may immediately put

into practice the ideas offered in the book. Youngsters are encouraged to

share the volume with a trusted grown-up. A descriptive chapter on

counseling is included, as is a section directed toward involved adults.

Authoritative print resources and associations to contact are suggested. The

content is well organized and the index is adequate. Illustrations lighten

the tone of the subject matter. This title will empower children and help

them to understand, confront, and master troubling emotions. It furthers the

help offered in Trevor Romain and Verdick's Stress Can Really Get

on Your Nerves (Free Spirit, 2000) and has more child appeal than Bruce

's Boys Will Be (Disney, 1995).-Sharon A. Neal, Immaculata University,

PA Copyright 2004 Business Information.

Peace Be With You,

Pattie

Don't let your past dictate who you are now, but let it be a part of who you

will become.