A Workbook for Kids Who Worry: Fun Activities to Help Children Face Their Fears and Build a Flexible Mindset Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Fun and evidence-based acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) skills to help kids face their fears and live joyfully.

Written for children ages 5 to12, this fun and engaging workbook is based on proven-effective acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to help kids understand their worries, recognize their thoughts and feelings, and discover what they can and cannot control. Packed with friendly illustrations and exercises, kids can embark on a playful adventure of self-discovery. They will also learn how to deal with unpleasant thoughts, work through difficult emotions, and develop a flexible mindset.

Anxiety is among the most common mental health concerns in kids, and it can significantly impact their ability to function. Kids who worry excessively struggle to perform well at school, have difficulty making and maintaining friendships, and may miss out on many life-enriching activities. This anxiety can build up and manifest itself in the form of intense emotional outbursts and tantrums, often resulting in increased family turmoil. And this extreme worrying can also cause kids to avoid triggering situations, which only reinforces their inflexible thinking.

Once children learn how to respond to their worries effectively, they’ll be more empowered and confident to face their fears head-on. Most importantly, kids will discover that they can safely partake in experiences that bring joy and a sense of fulfillment.

In these increasingly challenging times, kids and teens need mental health resources more than ever. With more than 3 million copies sold worldwide and translated into 260 languages, Instant Help Books are easy to use, proven-effective, and recommended by therapists.

Anna Scetinina, MACP, is a registered psychotherapist who lives in Toronto, ON, Canada. Anna is a member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), and the Ontario Society of Registered Psychotherapists (OSRP). She works at Turning Point Psychological Services, providing services to children, adolescents, and adults suffering from stress, perfectionism, low self-esteem, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, and more. Anna has a particular interest and experience in working with children and teens, helping them gradually face social and academic challenges and develop self-regulatory skills and a flexible mindset through the use of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and incorporating engaging art-based activities. Anna is also an award-winning professional artist and graphic designer, incorporating the use of art into her therapeutic approach.