As adults, it feels like there is so much we can find ourselves worrying about this year. But have you thought about how this stress translates to your kids?
It’s important to help your children find a way to better understand, communicate, and cope with stress and worry. One way to do this is through children’s books! Stories can help children understand and communicate feelings that seem too big to be able to talk about, and they can help you as their parent better understand what they are dealing with. Below are a few children’s books that have the potential help your little one out of a stressful situation!
Wemberly Worried, by Kevin Henkes
This book tells the story of a mouse named Wemberly who deals with a lot of worrying; in particular, worrying about the first day of school. It’s relatable, sweet, and can help your kids know they aren’t alone in feeling anxious about a new school, or even just a new school year!
Help Your Dragon Deal With Anxiety, by Steve Herman
This rendition of a story about a kid and his pet dragon deals with the taboo topic of anxiety. It introduces some very valuable social and emotional skills kids can use when they’re feeling anxious themselves, but still manages to be a lighthearted and enjoyable read.
Always, by Ann Stott
A common source of anxiety in children stems from the feeling that they have to earn the love and acceptance they want to receive. This story delves into that fear by introducing a character who feels as though his mother won’t love him unless he is perfect, and turns into a tale of unconditional parental love.
Is A Worry Worrying You? by Frieda Wolff
This book introduces worry after worry, and then offers solutions to make them go away. It’s an excellent problem-solving story, and its solutions can apply to any of the worries it introduces when they appear in your child’s life.
Do you have any tips for easing your child’s stress? Let me know in the comments below!