5 Children’s Books to Support Anxiety
Anxiety and fear is a completely normal part of childhood. In fact, anxiety is developmentally appropriate and a natural reaction to fear or danger. New worries are usually short lived and can be easily overcome with support from adults. For some children however, these worries are not as easily overcome. Anxiety becomes an issue when the worrying begins to interfere with a child's life for more than six months. Anxiety disorders among children are on the rise. According to the Cleveland Clinic, up to 1 in 5 children will develop what healthcare providers consider to be an anxiety disorder.
There are many different types of anxiety disorders and they can all manifest differently. Some of the most common anxiety disorders in children include; separation anxiety, specific phobias, social anxiety, generalized anxiety and panic attacks. Symptoms of anxiety can often be masked as other issues making anxiety difficult to recognize. These symptoms can include upset stomach, difficulty sleeping, restlessness, difficulty focusing and school refusal.
Research shows that daily exercise, sleep and a balanced diet can decrease symptoms of anxiety, however if you have concerns about your child it is important to talk to your doctor about therapy or medication options.
Below are books that I have used with my own children and students at school to discuss the topic of anxiety. These books teach the importance of understanding and coping with feelings of anxiety and fear. If you are looking for more information on anxiety disorders I recommend visiting the Cleveland Clinic website Anxiety in Children: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment (clevelandclinic.org) or discussing it with your child’s doctor.
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Don’t Think About Purple Elephants
"Don't Think About Purple Elephants" by Susan Whelan is a cute story that revolves around Sophie, who struggles with anxiety and intrusive thoughts. Her mother suggests distracting herself by thinking about anything except purple elephants, but the more she tries not to think about them, the more they dominate her thoughts. Eventually, Sophie learns to confront her worries and finds ways to cope with them. The book teaches children about the power of acknowledging and managing their anxious thoughts rather than trying to suppress them.
A Little Spot of Anxiety
"A Little Spot of Anxiety" by Diane Albert explores the topic of anxiety. It is part of the “A Little Spot of” series. This series covers a range of emotions and many of the books have plush spot characters to accompany the feeling. This series is used in many schools and is highly recommended by school psychologists and teachers. In this story, spot learns that anxiety is like a little spot that grows bigger when he focuses on it. However, he discovers strategies to manage his anxiety, such as deep breathing and talking to someone he trusts. The book aims to help children understand and cope with their anxious feelings in a relatable and accessible way.
The What Ifs
"The What Ifs" by Emily Kilgore tells the story of two children who encounter the "What Ifs," creatures that represent worries and fears about the future. Eventually they learn to confront their fears and manage their anxiety by turning their "What Ifs" into positive possibilities. The book helps children understand and cope with worries and anxieties in a creative and empowering way.
The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes
"The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes" by Gary Rubinstein and Mark Pett is a favorite in our house. It tells the story of a girl known for never making mistakes. She excels in everything she does until the day of the talent show when she finally makes a mistake in front of everyone. At first she is devastated, but then learns that making mistakes is a normal part of life and that it's okay to not be perfect all the time. The book highlights the importance of accepting imperfection and the value of learning from mistakes.
Ruby Finds a Worry
"Ruby Finds a Worry” is a story of a little girl that discovers a worry and over time the worry grows bigger and bigger. She meets a friend who also has a worry and he helps her understand that confronting her worry and getting support from friends and family will help make the worry get smaller. I love this book because it shows children that everyone has worries, but you must address them before they begin to negatively affect their daily lives.
