Parents often ask me about free resources on anxiety. I thought I would offer you a snapshot of my favourite books, websites, and Apps that may help your child now. I always share my posts on my Facebook page. If you know any other resources that you’ve found helpful, please do help other parents by posting them there.
Recommended Books
‘Think Good -Feel Good’ by Paul Stallard
Paul Stellard is a professor in Child and Adult Mental Health. Therefore, I use his clinician’s guide to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This book is well-researched and practical. However, it is pretty expensive. An attractive and lively workbook covers the core elements used in CBT programmes but conveys these ideas to children and young people in an understandable way and uses real-life examples familiar to them. It may be suitable for children ages 6-12, depending on their cognitive capacity.
‘The Huge Bag of Worries ‘ by Virginia Ironside
This is helpful for younger children. It is a simple storybook with a reassuring and funny look at dealing with worries and anxiety. Hence, it can be a springboard into meaningful conversations with your child.
‘What to Do When You Worry Too Much ‘: A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming Anxiety by Dawn Huebner
What to Do When You Worry Too Much is an interactive self-help book that guides 6-12-year-olds and their parents. It focuses on cognitive-behavioural techniques most often used to treat generalized anxiety. I think it is engaging, encouraging, and easy to follow.
‘Helping Your Anxious Child: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents by Ronald Rapee (Author), Ann Wignall (Author), Susan Spence (Author), Heidi Lyneham (Author), & 1 more.
It offers practical skills based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). I like the way it provides a method of parenting compassionately.
Useful Websites
- Anxiety Uk
- Royal College of Psychiatry. Above all, a great website with many free resources for young people and parents) https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/parents-and-young-people/young-people/worries-and-anxieties
- Child Anxiety Network is even better and is recommended on the Royal College of Psychiatry website. Furthermore, it provides free and constructive advice for parents and children.
- MOODjuice, a self-help guide for young people with a range of difficulties
Useful Apps
Another free resource, the SAM app, will help you understand what causes your anxiety and monitor your thoughts and behaviour over time. As a result, it may help to manage your stress through self-help exercises and private reflection.
Similarly, the Smiling Mind mindfulness App is excellent. I like the website; it has lots of information on mindfulness and stress. I think it is very user-friendly. More on this video here:
In conclusion, I hope this helps, and I also have a free download section. With love Catherine
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is intended for information purposes only. Therefore, while every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information packages, no guarantee can be given that the information is free from error or omission.
The information on my website is NOT a substitute for proper diagnosis, treatment or the provision of advice by an appropriate health professional.
