Too much of anything is never a good thing, and the same is true when it comes to anxiety. So, if you find your child worrying a little too much, here is a resource which might just help him to focus on the positive:
Brave: Be Ready and Victory's Easy, a Story About Social Anxiety
, by Marjie Knudsen and Jenne R. Henderson, Ph.D., is an eye-opening read for children between the ages of 9 and 12. There's so much to be anxious about at this age, when tweens are trying to navigate their way through the social scene and the increasing demands of school. A certain degree of anxiety is only natural, but what happens when the worry becomes a tidal wave rather than a ripple?
The moment Danny steps outside the comfort zone of his own home, anxiety sets in. At the bus stop, in the classroom, and everywhere else, there's something or someone to worry about. Until....he learns a valuable, yet oh so simple, lesson from a classmate's grandpa.
Mnemonic devices can work wonders for people of all ages, and this one certainly is no exception. How do we remember to be brave when anxiety sets in? Here you go -
Be Ready and Victory's Easy
It makes perfect sense. When you're prepared for things, you know how to respond without letting your emotions take over. It works in school, in social situations, and pretty much anywhere, anytime. And that's what Danny learns from a very special grandfather.
There's a lot more to this book than this one sentence, though. Every child will be able to relate to the real life situations Danny worries about. Adults might even learn a thing or two!
So, if your child is suffering with anxiety, why not give this book a try? At the very least, it will help her to see that she is not the only one who struggles to get through uncomfortable situations.
Please note that I am not a mental health professional, but this book was co-authored by one. While I do believe books can work wonders with people of all ages, one size certainly does not fit all families. Sometimes, individualized counseling is necessary. You know your child best, so please trust your instincts.
What I love most about this book is that it reminds us that fear and bravery are not mutually exclusive. We all have a little bit of each, don't we? The scale may not always be in perfect balance, but that's okay.
True bravery comes from the mind, not the muscle.
Here are some related posts:
- From Anxiety to Bravery Quotes
- Is Sheila Rae Really Brave?
- Rethinking "Don't Worry. Be Happy."
- More Anxiety Related Books