The Kids' Book of Worries: Understanding Anxiety and Managing Feelings
The Kids' Books of Social Emotional Learning Series
What’s inside...
Growing up brings new experiences and uncertainties, and anxiety in childhood is common. The book enables you to support 4-10 year olds with worries by gently helping them to explore their emotions and learn techniques to manage their feelings. Co-written by a child educational psychologist, the book caters for children experiencing anxiety at any level and can be equally used by parents/carers, teachers or other professionals. The ideas included are underpinned by evidence-based approaches, including application of cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness. Children learn that worry is a normal human emotion, and that they can listen to their bodies and recognize bodily cues of anxiety. It helps to teach and practice emotional vocabulary, encourages expression of emotions and promotes self-awareness. From mindfulness exercises, talking to trusted adults, making a worry jar to practising brave behaviour, the book shares lots of ideas and fun activities that children, supported by adults, can use to start to learn to manage their worries.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-10
Length
39 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What worries did the characters in the book have, and how did they handle them?
Can you think of a time when you felt anxious like the characters? What helped you feel better?
Why do you think it’s important to talk about our feelings and worries?
How can we help each other when we're feeling worried or scared?
What are some ways we can manage our worries like the characters did in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own feelings and experiences related to anxiety to create a safe space for open discussion.
Encourage your child to draw or write about their feelings after reading, using the book’s themes as inspiration.
Praise your child for openly discussing their feelings, reinforcing that it’s okay to express worry and seek support.
Connect the book’s situations to real-life scenarios your child might encounter, fostering a deeper understanding and empathy.
Introduce relaxation techniques mentioned in the book during your discussion, practicing them together to manage anxieties.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and Identifying Feelings
Explanation: The book provides scenarios that help children recognize different feelings and emotions, particularly anxiety.
Real-World Application: Children can use this understanding to better articulate their emotions in real-life situations, fostering clearer communication with peers and adults.
Example Lesson: Managing Anxiety Through Practical Techniques
Explanation: Catherine Stephenson offers strategies like deep breathing and mindfulness, demonstrated through characters in the book.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these techniques at school or home when feeling overwhelmed, helping them regain calm and focus.
Example Lesson: Empathy Towards Others
Explanation: The story encourages understanding how others might feel, highlighting the importance of empathy.
Real-World Application: This lesson aids children in developing stronger, empathetic relationships with their classmates and friends, recognizing when someone else is anxious and offering support.
Example Lesson: Importance of Seeking Help
Explanation: Characters in the book often reach out to adults or friends when anxious, showing that seeking help is a strength.
Real-World Application: Children learn to ask for help from teachers, parents, or counselors when they’re struggling with difficult emotions or situations.
Example Lesson: Building Resilience
Explanation: Through overcoming challenges within the story, characters demonstrate resilience, a key theme throughout the book.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that facing fears and challenges is a part of life, and overcoming them is possible and rewarding.