Benny Beats His Fears: Kids and Parents Overcoming Worries and General Anxiety
#2 in Benny's Big Battles Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Benny Beats His Fears is a children’s book that provides a unique roadmap for overcoming general anxiety in children through a funny and engaging story. The book follows Benny, a young lion cub who struggles with fears and anxieties that inhibit his social development and prevent him from enjoying childhood activities. With the help of his parents and a wise old lioness, Benny learns to recognize and confront his anxieties using simple strategies based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles. The story outlines the steps Benny and his parents take to support his coping, ultimately helping Benny to manage and participate in activities he previously avoided. The book is designed for children with general anxiety issues and parents looking to support their anxious kids with proven CBT practices.
Discussion points
What are some things that make Benny feel scared in the story? Have you ever felt the same way?
How did Benny learn to manage his fears? Can you think of a time when you overcame a fear, and how did you do it?
Why do you think it's important for Benny to talk about his feelings? Who do you feel comfortable talking to when you're scared or worried?
What are some ways Benny's parents helped him feel safer? What do we do at home that makes you feel safe and supported?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by sharing your own experiences with fears and how you manage them to create a comfortable space for your child to open up. Encourage your child to express how they feel about Benny's story and relate it to their own life. Reaffirm that it's okay to feel scared and that everyone experiences fear at some point. Praise your child for discussing their thoughts and feelings, reinforcing that open communication is valuable and important.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and Managing Fears
Explanation: Through Benny's journey, the book showcases various strategies that help in recognizing and addressing fears.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to identify what scares them and talk about it with trusted adults, helping them manage anxiety from a young age.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Support
Explanation: Benny's interactions with his parents and friends highlight the importance of a support system in overcoming personal challenges.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this by offering support to peers who might be facing their own fears, fostering a nurturing peer environment.
Example Lesson: Resilience Building
Explanation: The narrative encourages children to face their fears and demonstrates that setbacks are a part of learning and growth.
Real-World Application: This lesson can prepare children to persevere through their own difficulties, building resilience in daily situations whether at school or in social settings.
Example Lesson: Communication Skills
Explanation: Benny learns the importance of expressing his feelings and fears verbally, which is an essential part of the story.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to better articulate their emotions and fears, improving their communication skills with parents and teachers.