How to use books to teach kids to Overcome their Fear and Anxiety
There is no one size fits all answer to this, but one method is to address the subject through books. A good story doesn’t preach, but it makes the subject relatable and brings it naturally into conversation. This is true for overcoming fear and anxiety, showing personal responsibility, and any number of positive social and behavioral topics that can be hard to talk about.
Anxiety and fear of change can show up early and be mistaken for shyness. Truly, shyness is a form of anxiety. It can also cause children and adults to miss out on many wonderful experiences in life. Gently leading them and supporting them through good literature takes the blame (sometimes self-blame) and stigma that they might feel away and shows them that they are not alone.
Little Bee is afraid of what she does not know. She is encouraged and shown kindness. In the end, it is Little Bee’s choice to face her fear. What she discovers is an amazing world beyond all she could have imagined.
I’m not suggesting that this will fix anything, but it is another tool in your parenting tool bag. It should pair with showing kids your own fears and how you don’t let those fears stop you, holding their hands through difficult things, and most of all patience. Oh, and don’t forget to praise a child for trying, even if they ultimately back out.
More about the book
Little Bee’s Day in the Garden has the added benefit of exploring science through nature with beautiful and colorful illustrations of different types of bees and flowers. Just another way to bridge the conversation gap and provide ways to communicate and explore. You can purchase a copy in my store, or at most online bookstores.
For More things Bee themed check out these Posts
I provide free coloring pages, and bookmarks help children who struggle to sit still during story time, the bonus is they also allow children to engage with the characters without forcing more. It can be baby steps with the goal of preparing our children to face the world and bring them out of their shells.
More Books by Shannon L. Mokry
- Bubbles and the Berry Bush
- Bubbles and the Mermaid Adventure
- Bubbles and the Big Race
- The Little Pink Elephant Books
- The Little Pink Elephant
- La Elefantita Rosadita
- The Mouse and the Little Pink Elephant
- The Little Purple Porcupine
- The Little Yellow Llama
- Take a Walk on the Beach
- The Sloth and the Snail
- Little Panda, What do You See?
- The Little Donkey
- The Gemstone Dragon Series
- Escaping Gardenia
- Saving Gardenia
- How to Make a Book: homeschool edition
- The Middlest Giraffe
- The Fox’s Day in the Snow
- The Little Blue Flamingo
- The Little Golden Hen
- Three Silly Sisters
- Hey Little Birdie, What’s Your Name?
- Yes, I’m a Poodle!
