Today I wanted to share a book series I often recommend to parents to do with their children. One population I enjoy working with immensely is children. One reason I love kids is because they are concrete learners. So when it comes to learning therapeutic skills, almost more than any other population, there has to be a concrete application.
For this reason children can benefit from therapy books which are workbook style. This style benefits kids and parents have a guide to and home practice the skills they are learning in therapy. I use one and recommend particular book series often. Dawn Hubner is a therapist who has written the What to do guides for kids series. Her books encompass some of the most common emotions kid struggle to understand like anger, worry, OCD, nail biting, and even the dreaded bedtime. She helps parents and kids have the language needed to talk about problems in a kid friendly way.
The books feature illustrations, places for the kid to draw or talk with parents, and information to read with your child. Parents benefit form this series as well. I have heard adults say that some of these books explain the skills needed to manage themselves emotionally in the most simple and helpful manner they have encountered.
One benefits from purchasing a concrete object that can remind your child of therapy is that months after you have ended therapy, there will be reminders of the skills they learned. I haven’t read all of the series, but own about half of these below. Does a book take the place of therapy? Probably not. As much as you love your child, your home may not be as permissive or safe enough environment to produce change. There are many therapeutic mediums and environments, and books at home are just one.
Book Titles:
- What to Do When
Bad Habits Take Hold:
A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming Nail Biting and More - What to Do When You
Dread Your Bed:
A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming Problems with Sleep - What to Do When You
Grumble Too Much:
A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming Negativity - What to Do When You
Worry Too Much:
A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming Anxiety - What to Do When Your
Brain Gets Stuck:
A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming OCD - What to Do When Your
Temper Flares:
A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming Problems with Anger - Sometimes I Worry Too Much,
But Now I Know How to Stop
