By Anita Ness, Founder of EMBRACE Calmer Kids
I am super excited to tell you about an AWESOME book I just read called Outsmarting Worry, by Dawn Huebner.
I LOVE it because it's…
Easy to read as a parent
SUPER kid friendly, and fun for them to read too (approx. 9-13 years old)
And it...
Defines what worry is, how it can feel and what it can look like to your child
Helps you identify your child’s worry triggers and tells you how they can be managed
SUPER SIMPLIFIES so many complex ideas, techniques and theories (like CBT* and ACT*) and puts them into a language and format that kids will love
Has easy and down to earth techniques to WHACK those WORRY Worries away
Some of my favourite PARTS of the book…
The explanation of the body’s reaction to an Alarm going off in our brain is brilliant
Understanding that Worry can cause False Alarms and how to tell the difference
How best to speak to your Worry Gremlin
The idea of following your Knows (not nose) to search for evidence of truth, rather than believing the lies that Worry tells you
The Key Strategies to combat Worry, including how to:
Identify False Alarms by following your Knows
Spot Thinking Mistakes and how to correct them
Talk Back (to Worry) without debating
Acknowledge, Observe and Accept Worry
Identify Safety Behaviours
Drop unhelpful behaviours using Exposure Activities (similar to Step-laddering)
Whack-a-Worry when it appears
Some of my favourite TAKE-AWAYS from the book…
Worry is a greedy monster that thrives on fear and avoidance
These techniques will be helpful no matter what type of worry your child has
‘You (the parent) are your child’s best coach and guide. Together you can change from learning to practicing, from worried, to happy and free’
A process similar to Step-laddering is used. If you missed the 'How to build your child's Resilience' blog post you can find it here and the FREE Step-Laddering Printable, just click the links.
‘You can go from being an expert at worrying to being an expert at managing worry’
Seriously, I just couldn’t put the book down. I was so excited to think how helpful this book is and will be to soo many parents and kids. And trust me, you know it’s good, when you wake up at 3am in the morning and you don’t want to stop reading (I know, my brain wasn’t in sleep mode, but time well spent for sure!).
Ok, that's enough from me. Here is a link* to the book 'Outsmarting Worry, by Dawn Huebner'. CHECK IT OUT! I think it’s a super great read and resource for you and your child.
Enjoy and Stay Awesome!
Warmest wishes
Founder of EMBRACE Calmer Kids
Clarifications:
- CBT is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (a technique often used by Psychologists)
- ACT is Acceptance Commitment Therapy (a newer approach for Psychologists, Counsellors and Life Coaches to manage anxious thoughts and feelings)
* The book link is to Wordery as they had the best price and free delivery at time of writing this blog post, but it is readily available to purchase at any good book store.
** And please remember that I receive no financial benefit for recommending or linking to other websites, books or courses. It is my passion and mission simply to share information with other parents to help make their lives easier.
Comentarios