Book Review: The Worry Workbook for Kids

If the goal of child rearing is to help children develop into independent adults, it’s hard to imagine how that is possible if worry prevents them from doing the very activities that will build their confidence. Further, much of life is uncertain, and fear of uncertainty can become a seemingly insurmountable barrier for kids and parents alike, leaving courage and resilience far out of reach. In their new book, The Worry Workbook for Kids: Helping Children Overcome Anxiety & the Fear of Uncertainty, Muniya S. Khanna, PhD, and Deborah Roth Ledley, PhD, address this very issue, drawing on current and effective strategies to create a host of practical activities parents can use to teach their children resilience and confidence — even when facing uncertainty. The authors explain, “We may want to whisk our children out of uncomfortable situations, having them skip activities like sports or school trips that may feel too hard. But here’s the thing: being afraid of new situations isn’t the problem, it’s not even a sign of trouble, since most children feel that way.” As the instinct to protect and shield children from harm is strong, many parents may unknowingly teach their children that the right response to fear is avoidance. Worry demands predictability, protection from fear, and discomfort avoidance, and as our brains attempt to prepare for what could go wrong, often we create scenarios that are not realistic and fear takes over. “After a while, our bodies ...
Source: Psych Central - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: Anxiety Book Reviews Children and Teens Disorders Family General Memory and Perception Mindfulness Parenting Psychology Self-Help Students Anxiety And Worry Avoidance kids The Worry Workbook for Kids worry cycle Source Type: news