Picture Books for Kids Who Worry

All children worry about things at one time or another.  Today I wanted to share my favorite books for kids who worry.

Books for Kids Who Worry

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I think it is safe to say that all good parents want their children to be happy and free from worries.   There are few things more heartbreaking than watching a child you love suffer with anxiety and worry. I also know that the worry and anxiousness some children experience are not only very real to them but also really scary.  

They don’t understand what is going on with their body and mind and often parents don’t know how to help or they dismiss their child’s worries as them just being a kid and say things such as, “You’re fine” (they don’t feel fine), “Stop worrying.” (If they could they would) or “There’s nothing to be afraid of.” (They ARE afraid even if they are just anxious about feeling anxious and telling them that their fear doesn’t exist isn’t helpful.)

One of the most effective ways to get children talking about what they are feeling is to share a story book with them. Books can help them to not only vocalize the feelings that they have but to know what to do with those feelings.  It also helps them understand that they are completely normal and that they can FEEL normal again as well.

Here are some of my favorite children books for kids who worry as well as the top rated children’s books about anxiety that I have found.  If you have a child dealing with anxiety, please take their feelings seriously and also realize that there are a lot of resources out there to help you as a parent.

These books are great for kids dealing with low-moderate anxiousness and worrying but if your child’s worries are interrupting their regular activities and making it hard to function, please see a doctor. 

Picture Books for Kids Who Worry

My favorite book for young children:

Jonathan James and the Whatif Monster

In this book, Jonathan James and the Whatif Monster, whenever Jonathan finds himself in a new situation, he hears his Whatif Monster asking all kind of questions to stop him trying something new: What if it’s scary? What if they laugh? What if it’s hard?  Finally, Jonathan James has some questions of his own: What if they don’t? What if it isn’t? What then?

This book is great for children ages 3-7 who are starting to recognize that new situations often bring worries with them. But it is also a great book for people of any age who are going through life’s changes and would make a really fun graduation gift.  You can also purchase an adorable Jonathan James and the Whatif Monster With Plush
and your kids would have a physical object to talk to about their worries.  Plus you can always remind your kids not to listen to the things the Whatif Monster says and to teach him that trying new things can be fun.

My Favorite Book for Older Kids Ages 6-12

What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming Anxiety

What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming Anxiety is written by psychologist and author Dawn Huebner, PhD and is a great book to work through together with your child.  It is designed for children ages 6-12 and includes notes to the parents from the author on the best ways to help your child and also how to understand what your child is going through. We have loved using this book with our own children and it helps them break down their fears into smaller manageable chunks and help them to realize that when you worry about your worries they will continue to grow, just like the tomato plant in the book that is continually being fed.  It is really easy to follow and helps empower children to work towards being able to lock their negative thoughts up and focus on the positive.

As I have searched the web for help with my own family I have come across numerous children’s books to help with different types of worrying, from separation anxiety and fear of the dark, to fears that come from being the new kids at school or trying something new.

Here are some of the top rated Picture Books for Kids Who Worry that I have found:

 What to Do When You Worry Too Much Jonathan James and the Whatif Monster When My Worries Get Too Big! What to Do When You’re Scared and Worried: A Guide for Kids Worry Busters! Activities for Kids Who Worry Too Much From Worrier to Warrior: A Guide to Conquering Your Fears Wilma Jean the Worry Machine The Worry Glasses: Overcoming Anxiety Worry, Worry, Go Away!: A Kid’s Book about Worry and Anxiety David and the Worry Beast: Helping Children Cope with Anxiety First Day Jitters (Mrs. Hartwells classroom adventures) Koby The Little Blue Kangaroo Who Worried All Day 12 Annoying Monsters: Self-talk for kids with anxiety Don’t Feed The WorryBug (WorryWoo Monsters) Sea Otter Cove: Relaxation breathing to lower anxiety while promoting peaceful sleep The Goodnight Caterpillar: A Children’s Relaxation Story to Improve Sleep, Stress, Anxiety Tame Your Thought Monster: A Color, Learn and Feel Good Book for Kids What to Do When You Dread Your Bed: A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming Problems With Sleep The Invisible String The Worrywarts Is a Worry Worrying You? The Huge Bag of Worries Understanding Myself: A Kid’s Guide to Intense Emotions The Panicosaurus: Managing Anxiety in Children Why Do I Feel Scared?: A First Look at Being Brave Walter and the No-Need-to-Worry Suit

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Do you have a favorite book to help your kids when they worry?

Also, check out these Resources to Help Treat Anxiety in Children: