What to Do When You're Scared and Worried: A Guide for Kids [Paperback]

James J. Crist (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

From a dread of spiders to panic attacks, kids have worries and fears, just like adults. This is a book kids can turn to when they need advice, reassurance, and ideas. They’ll find out where fears and worries come from, practice Fear Chasers and Worry Erasers, and learn to seek help for hard-to-handle fears they can’t manage on their own.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8–An easy-to-follow, self-help tool that will be invaluable for kids who struggle with fears or worries. Part one deals with normal anxiety, offering detailed steps for developing 10 coping mechanisms. Expert help is needed to deal with the more serious problems discussed in Part two (e.g., phobias, separation anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder). Throughout, the author provides information, case histories, and coping skills in a manner that is both reassuring and encouraging. The physiological, psychological, and social aspects of fears and anxiety are clearly explained. Tools, such as journaling, are thoroughly described so that readers may immediately put into practice the ideas offered in the book. Youngsters are encouraged to share the volume with a trusted grown-up. A descriptive chapter on counseling is included, as is a section directed toward involved adults. Authoritative print resources and associations to contact are suggested. The content is well organized and the index is adequate. Illustrations lighten the tone of the subject matter. This title will empower children and help them to understand, confront, and master troubling emotions. It furthers the help offered in Trevor Romain and Elizabeth Verdick's Stress Can Really Get on Your Nerves (Free Spirit, 2000) and has more child appeal than Bruce Brooks's Boys Will Be (Disney, 1995).–Sharon A. Neal, Immaculata University, PA
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Review

"An easy-to-follow and well organized self-help tool that will be invaluable for kids who struggle with fears or worries."—School Library Journal

“This practical guide helps children identify, understand, and manage their everyday worries. . . . Adults might find themselves benefiting from the coping strategies, especially in these times of economic uncertainty.”—National Catholic Register

“A good resource for all libraries.”—Children’s Literature

iParenting Media Awards Winner

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Free Spirit Publishing (January 15, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1575421534
• ISBN-13: 978-1575421537
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #36,435 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #4 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Health, Mind & Body > Death & Grief > Grief & Bereavement
  • #68 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Health, Mind & Body > General

More About the Author

James J. Crist, Ph.d., CSAC, is a licensed clinical psychologist and a certified substance abuse counselor with the Child and Family Counseling Center in Woodbridge, Virginia. He works with a wide variety of clients, including children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. He specializes in working with attention disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and drug and alcohol abuse. He also is an adjunct faculty member in the professional counseling program at Argosy University.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

130 of 131 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best self-help books for children ever written, June 11, 2004

By 

bonniecarrine (Springfield, MA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: What to Do When You're Scared and Worried: A Guide for Kids (Paperback)

As a child and family therapist, I am constantly searching for books to use with the children that I work with. I am usually disappointed with most books that address problems of childhood, because they either treat the subjects too lightly and offer no real solutions for children who have already used the obvious ideas, or are far too complex for the average child to relate to. This book is wonderful. Not only is it written in extremely child-friendly terms, it is comprehensive and gives many good-quality, proven techniques for dealing with fear and anxiety.

Topics includes: what kids are typically scared or worried about, where fears come from, how the body and mind work together to make fears better or worse, "fear chasers and worry erasers" (coping skills), written exercises, and a chapter on more intense fears including phobias, separations anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The book finishes off with a chapter that answers children's questions about what to expect from counseling, should they need extra help overcoming their fears. A note to parents is included, which offers additional information on how to support children with their fears.

I highly recommend this book, and wish that the author would write many more books like this one!!

52 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST HAVE FOR CHILDREN WHO HAVE FEARS., October 11, 2006

By 

Holly Kallay "HAPPY MOM" (PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: What to Do When You're Scared and Worried: A Guide for Kids (Paperback)

I have read this book with my two boys ages 8 and 10. We all have anxiety in different degrees and I am trying to help them to learn to cope and move forward. I cannot recommend this book enough to loved ones and parents who have children with fears or worries that are causing problems in their daily functioning. I have read many books on this subject and never found one as good as this for children and even for adults to use. I would not think twice about buying this book if anyone in your home struggles with fears. Bravo for finally writing a book on this subject that children can use. Childhood is where we need to begin to help in this area.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect!, August 22, 2007

By 

Kendra (Penn Hills, PA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: What to Do When You're Scared and Worried: A Guide for Kids (Paperback)

This is a great book for anyone working with children. I lays out everything you need to address anxieties and it lables the anxieties for what they are - I love that. Includes forms, activities, and little stories that children can relate too. This is an excellent guide to get you going when working with children. Would also be useful for parents to read to increase their understanding of the disorders.