Description
“Just what the doctor ordered! A clear, concise, and practical guide to help parents help their children master their anxieties.”
—Laurel J. Schultz, MD, MPH, community pediatrician at Golden Gate Pediatrics
If you have a child with anxiety, you need quick, in-the-moment solutions you can easily use now to help your child face their fears and worries. Written by a psychologist and expert in childhood anxiety, this easy-to-use guide offers proven-effective cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure skills you can use at home, in social settings, or anywhere anxiety takes hold.
Anxiety Relief for Kids provides quick solutions based in evidence-based CBT and exposure therapy—two of the most effective treatments for anxiety disorders. You’ll find a background and explanation of the different types of anxiety disorders, in case you aren’t sure whether or not your child has one. You’ll also learn to identify your child’s avoidant and safety behaviors—the strategies your child uses to cope with their anxiety, such as repeatedly checking their homework or asking the same questions repeatedly—as well as anxiety triggers that set your child off.
With this book, you’ll find a wealth of information regarding your child’s specific anxiety disorder and how to respond to it. For example, if your child has obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), the skills you use to help them are different than other anxiety disorders. No matter your child’s specific symptoms or diagnosis, you’ll discover tailored interventions you can use now to help your child thrive.
If your child has an anxiety disorder, simple, everyday activities can be a real challenge. The practical solutions in this book will help you deal with your child’s anxiety when it happens and restore balance and order to both your lives.
What readers are saying:
“I was surprised to learn how much of what I was doing as a parent was exacerbating (and not helping) our son’s anxiety.” — Kath
“This book does such a great job of explaining what anxiety is, the range of ways it can show up in kids (and/or adults) and how you can get it under control. … The guidance laid out is priceless and will be beneficial to anyone suffering from anxiety.” — Jennifer
“This is a very practical and informative book that will guide parents in helping their children suffering from anxiety or worry. … Cognitive behavioral therapy is the backbone of Dr. Walker’s approach and she makes the approach clear and accessible to non-professionals. A great addition to any parent’s bookshelf!” — Michael
This book has been selected as an Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies Self-Help Book Recommendation— an honor bestowed on outstanding self-help books that are consistent with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) principles and that incorporate scientifically tested strategies for overcoming mental health difficulties. Used alone or in conjunction with therapy, our books offer powerful tools readers can use to jump-start changes in their lives.
Kina M. Iliev (verified owner) –
I received this book at just the right time. Thank you, Dr. Walker, for giving me a framework for understanding how to spot anxiety symptoms & know how to successfully seek assistance for our child.
Kee Flynn (verified owner) –
A terrific book outlining the steps to help your child with anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the answer and Dr. Walker guides parents through the process. Very readable and practical.
Jennifer Leibick (verified owner) –
This book does such a great job of explaining what anxiety is, the range of ways it can show up in kids (and/or adults) and how you can get it under control. Dr. Walker’s practice of utilizing CBT and exposure therapy with patients is spot on and I have witnessed it work firsthand. I highly recommend this book as a guide to help you and/or your child learn how to identify, understand and manage anxiety. The guidance laid out is priceless and will be beneficial to anyone suffering from anxiety.
KMT (verified owner) –
This book is short, readable, based on proven research, and contains all sorts of easy-to-use checklists. I was surprised to learn how much of what I was doing as a parent was exacerbating (and not helping) our son’s anxiety. The CBT approach is very practical and it works. We have a much happier child – and much happier, more relaxed family. Thank you for writing this book.
Dr. Mj Paris (verified owner) –
Dr. Bridget Walker has finally written a masterful, parent-friendly book for parents of anxious kids. As a psychologist, I attended a workshop a few years ago where Dr. Walker explained her theories and techniques in treating her young patients with anxiety. I remember walking away wanting more… wanting what she has now given us: a clear and precise, step-by-step book full of clinically-proven strategies and techniques to help parents help their kids overcome their anxieties, fears and phobias. I can honestly say this will be one book I will be adding to my borrowing library for parents to read. Thank you Dr. Walker!
Michele Wolpe (verified owner) –
This is a very practical and informative book that will guide parents in helping their children suffering from anxiety or worry. Down-to-earth, thoughtful and fun tools and suggestions are included, along with examples of how to talk to a child overcome by worry or fears. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the backbone of Dr. Walker’s approach and she makes the approach clear and accessible to non-professionals. A great addition to any parent’s bookshelf!
bel russell (verified owner) –
Excellent practical guide for all parents
C. Mercer (verified owner) –
Dr. Walker is the best in the business when it comes to Anxiety disorders. I have learned so much from her book and guidance. Before her, I had tried many therapists for help with my anxiety. She was the first one to teach me CBT and ERP and I have improved so much! I’m so glad she wrote this book so she can help even more people with their anxiety. Great book!
Jennifer Risher (verified owner) –
This book helped me understand anxiety and offered examples for how I could help my child with her fears. I especially appreciated the author’s non-judgemental, approachable, easy-to-understand language and concrete examples. I also appreciated learning how I was contributing to my child’s fears and how I could change my own behavior.
OkGo (verified owner) –
Was recommended to me by a psychiatrist I know who works with adolescent girls – I asked for recommendations on dealing with anxiety/separation anxiety/getting my daughter to sleep in her own room, and this was the book he sent me. It’s extremely well-written, and the suggestions and exercises are working wonders with my daughter. Highly recommended.
NIBsmf (verified owner) –
This is a relatively short book that still manages to be very thorough. It’s organized very well and provides great, concrete examples to really illustrate the concepts that are addressed. I feel that it is great for both therapists/professionals and parents. Even though it’s clearly geared towards helping children, I think much of the advice in it is great for adults, too.
Carmel Galvin (verified owner) –
This is a really practical and extremely useful book which I highly recommend. The advice is easy to understand, clear and straight to the point. I have looked everywhere for resources to help us deal with the anxiety issues our child was experiencing and this is by far the most helpful tool I found.
Let’s Play Parents! (verified owner) –
Excellent resource for parents, educators, mental health therapist and/ or anyone who has contact with children. As a child therapist, I highly recommend parents/caregivers to read this book. It is super easy to read and understand. It provides great insight on how to identify anxiety, triggers, coping mechanisms and how to help/support the child. It also shines light on parental anxiety and best approaches. Dr. Walker’s expertise on this topic is clearly communicated through this book. Thanks for such a wonderful resource!
jamie h edmund (verified owner) –
Clear, concise, hands-on guide for treating anxiety in children, brilliant demonstration of concepts including the crucial concept of exposure, in her clinical examples. Dr. Walkers book is accessible for parents and clinicians alike.
Me (verified owner) –
k
S. C. Reh (verified owner) –
For the parent who is running out of ideas to help a child worry less overall and fixate less on disappointments, this book is very valuable and practical. I was disheartened at first to learn that my own approach is part of the problem, as I’ve been relying on intuitive actions such as assisting my child in avoiding situations that make her anxious or engaging in excessive attempts to comfort her. Now, I am armed with new information and tools that make sense because the author explains them so well. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a proven process that takes work to work and is worth the investment of time, money, and being open to a different way of viewing positive parenting.
Kevin O’Brien (verified owner) –
As an older man with a 2nd family, I found Dr. Walker’s book, “Anxiety Relief for Kids” invaluable! The format is a veritable Parent/Child dictionary with easy to understand and effective exercises, overviews, and summaries. As I was reading it, past experiences with my own young children were played out in her writings. When I am faced with the normal hysteria of my children, I can easily find an example of how to handle it and ideas for future rescue!
If you don’t have this Kid Bible, get one! You’ll be a better Dad and your anxiety level will be significantly improved
Lisa Ochs (verified owner) –
Although this book is primarily written for parents of kids with anxiety disorders, it’s also helpful for anxious adults. There are practical techniques and vibrant images and analogies that will resonate with people of all ages. I bought this book for the parent of a teenager who’s had panic attacks, but read it first and found it very readable and helpful. I will be recommending it to many people–young and old.
C S (verified owner) –
This book is a must read for all parents! Having a child with anxiety can be so overwhelming. This book breaks it all down into manageable steps that can really make a difference in our children’s lives.
LJR3 (verified owner) –
This book really helped me, help my daughter work on her social anxiety and other related anxieties . It’s clear and easy to follow approach made it easy to work with. I would definitely recommend this to anyone struggling with how to help their child with anxiety.
Jo-Anne E. (verified owner) –
This book is very helpful in identifying and working with a child that is showing some anxiety.
Jensen McGinness (verified owner) –
I love this book! Recommend it to parents and clinicians who work with kids thst struggle with anxiety. It is a really easy read and offers helpful tips to help get to the root of the anxiety the child has.
It’s so helpful that you get an internet link to print the worksheet pages vs making photo copies!
Edit (verified owner) –
Currently reading it and have already recommended it to others. I’m a school psychologist and it helps to refresh on therapeutic models. This is so great and helps explain to parents how to support their children. Plus my 4 year old started displaying anxiety recently and this was so helpful for me!
lauraec (verified owner) –
I bought this to help my 4 year old daughter but found most of the techniques to be geared towards older kids who have a better grasp of abstract concepts.
Elaine Swansey (verified owner) –
Very useful tips for helping your child deal with anxiety.
jesse (verified owner) –
Great read
Pastor Neale (verified owner) –
gift
Becki (verified owner) –
Most of the advice is for older kids with self awareness and reasoning skills (ability to name and rank your fears), but I picked out some useful tidbits for my anxious preschooler. Pretty straightforward methods and tools with examples. Helpful descriptions to identify types of anxiety. The sample conversations to have with your kids may give you an idea of whether you can do it or will need a professional.
Michelle L. (verified owner) –
Great book! Step by step instructions on how to address your child’s anxiety. We have used parts of it so far. Only issue is I have found it difficult to execute with 2 other children in the house. But also helped my husband and I understand anxiety.
Kelly Heflin (verified owner) –
I homeschool/tutor four students to assist their moms every week. After 25 years in the classroom I wish I had this book many years ago! My four teenage students now have an assortment of generalized anxiety disorders, mood disorders, ADHD, Asperger’s Syndrome, and Dyslexia. This book is full of great strategies!
Roza (verified owner) –
I have bought and returned a number of books re: child’s anxiety but this book was truly an eye opener! If you have child with anxiety this book is a must! It took me just first 3 chapters to figure out how to deal with my child’s anxiety.
Booths (verified owner) –
This book is a fabulous tool for any parent seeking ways to help your child navigate anxiety! Additional charts available too! Highly recommend!
Liz (verified owner) –
Was a gift to a friend who’s child was having anxiety attacks.
Summer Batte (verified owner) –
It can be difficult to set aside any reading time when you’re a parent, let alone parenting an anxious child. This book has clear advice and is gets right to the point, which is much appreciated.
Michelle B (verified owner) –
I recommend this to all of my families of kids with anxiety. It’s easy to use in sessions and at home. Very well written.
George Reiss (verified owner) –
This is an excellent book that really educates parents and caregivers about childhood anxiety and give us some good recommendations. It is a little repetitive at times but it’s a must read
M. Selkirk (verified owner) –
Very helpful, worth reading if you or anyone you know suffers from anxiety.
libellule (verified owner) –
Clear no-nonsense logical advice on how to work with your child to help them break away from anxious and OCD behaviors.
Selina J. (verified owner) –
I found this book to be very helpful in understanding my child (9 years old) and the ways we, as parents, may be inadvertently making his anxiety worse. I like the “toolkit” that is presented and having new ways to talk to my child about his anxiety. Though these things can’t be rushed, I am hopeful that we will have a breakthrough soon.
Sue Poor (verified owner) –
Useful