Anxiety
In our increasingly connected and fast-paced world, symptoms of anxiety can sometimes pop up unexpectedly in our young children. But you’ll be prepared to help your child navigate their feelings with some great books. Explore the titles below!
I hope you love the books I recommend! Please note that the links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ruby Finds a Worry - Ruby’s worry starts off small, but she soon finds that it has grown bigger. It follows her everywhere, making it hard for her to enjoy daily life. Ruby discovers that she isn’t alone, and makes a friend with a worry of his own. Together they learn that the best way to deal with worry is to talk about it. I love the way this book illustrates anxiety in ways that kids can understand.
In Wemberly Worried, you’ll meet a mouse who worries all day long, until she begins school and realizes she’s having too much fun to worry.
The Good Egg is a great story about what happens when you put too much pressure on yourself, and how to let go of things beyond our control.
Tomorrow I’ll Be Brave is a sweet and hopeful book that will inspire your child to be brave and keep trying.
Happy Right Now is a perfect book about the importance of being happy in the moment, and staying present. So often we find ourselves saying “I’ll be happy when…” this book will remind your little one of all that they have to be thankful for right now.
The Don’t Worry Book & It’s Okay To Make Mistakes are 2 great books from my favorite author, Todd Parr. His books are simple, to-the-point and have a healthy dose of humor to make the messages fun for kids.
When You Are Brave is a book that beautifully illustrates how dark the world can feel when our fears take over, and how finding the bravery that’s inside all of us can bring us back into the light.
I Am Human, I Am Peace & I Am Love are fantastic books that will inspire empathy, mindfulness, self-esteem, and the knowledge that it’s ok to make mistakes.
Brave As Can Be: A Book of Courage - a beautiful book about overcoming your fears, including being afraid of the dark, a storm and a neighbor’s dark.
Perfectly Norman - When Norman sprouts wings one day he’s afraid of what others will think of them. He tries to hide them from everyone. He hides inside of a winter coat, missing out on his life with his friends and family. When he finally decides to show everyone his wings he is overjoyed to find others like him who love to fly.
I Belong - a gorgeous book, full of affirmations about the special places that we hold in our families and friendships. This book is great for toddlers, twos and young preschoolers, because it helps promote their senses of belonging. Books like these are so important because they help children understand that they are safe and loved.
I’m Happy Sad Today - this book is perfect for explaining the endless combinations of feelings that we sometimes feel all at once. You and your little reader can explore all of the feelings that come up when starting school, going on a first sleepover or making a new friend. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the fabulous words that she uses to describe her mixed up emotions, including “braverous,” “happcited” and “smad.”
The Girl With a Parrot on Her Head - When Isabel’s best friend moves away she decides that she doesn’t need friends. She’s alone, except for the parrot on her head, who helps her organize her toys into boxes. When she goes out looking for a new box, she finds a friend in the most unexpected place.
Anxious Ellie - Ellie is an elephant who is terrified of being stuck in the mud. She stays inside, playing alone and baking biscuits, while her friends splash and laugh in muddy puddles. But one day, her friend, Phillip, shares his own fears, and they bond by helping each other. I love this book because it emphasizes the power of friendship. I also love the way that these friends accept and acknowledge each other’s fears and find ways to help each other.
My Monster and Me - What happens when our worries grow? They seem big enough to follow us everywhere! When we first meet the Worry Monster in this story he overshadows everything. But when his little boy finds the courage to share his worries with grandma, the worry monster begins to shrink. I love the way this book personifies big and scary feelings for little readers.
A Whale of a Mistake - This book is absolutely gorgeous and really helps personify the overwhelming worry that plagues our anxious minds. With vibrant illustrations and relatable text, readers will see their own feelings reflected in the pages of this book.
Quick Tips:
Preview the book before reading with your child. This will help you decide if the length and wording are appropriate for him/her. It'll also help prepare you for questions and topics that may come up as you read.
Choose a time when you can read the book slowly with your child, let her/him look at the pictures and take in the words.
Be prepared for questions. Stop reading and listen when questions and comments come up. These will give you insight into what your child is feeling and thinking.
Remember- you don't need to have all the answers. Just acknowledging your child's feelings goes a long way.
Here are some ideas for when you don't know what to say:
I'm glad you told me about that."
"So ______ makes you feel scared? I didn't know that, but I'm happy I know that now."
"I get nervous sometimes too."
"Here's what I do when I feel nervous."
"What do you think we could do to help you feel better? Do you have any ideas?
"I know you get nervous about ____ but you won't be alone, we'll do it together."
Be sure to share any concerns about your child with a trusted pediatrician, their teacher or caregiver. These professionals are a great resource and can offer advice or additional guidance.
