"The most helpful book on childhood anxiety I have ever
read."--Michael Thompson, Ph.D.
Whether it's the monster in the closet or the fear that arises from new
social situations, school, or sports, anxiety can be especially
challenging and maddening for children. And since anxiety has a mind of
its own, logic and reassurance often fail, leaving parents increasingly
frustrated about how to help. Now Lawrence J. Cohen, Ph.D., the author
of Playful Parenting, provides a special set of tools to handle
childhood anxiety. Offering simple, effective strategies that build
connection through fun, play, and empathy, Dr. Cohen helps parents
- start from a place of warmth, compassion, and understanding
- teach children the basics of the body's "security system" alert,
alarm, assessment, and all clear.
- promote tolerance of uncertainty and discomfort by finding the balance
between outright avoidance and "white-knuckling" through a fear
- find lighthearted ways to release tension in the moment, labeling
stressful emotions on a child-friendly scale
- tackle their own anxieties so they can stay calm when a child is
distressed
- bring children out of their anxious thoughts and into their bodies by
using relaxation, breathing, writing, drawing, and playful roughhousing
With this insightful resource of easy-to-implement solutions and
strategies, you and your child can experience the opposite of worry,
anxiety, and fear and embrace connection, trust, and joy.
Praise for The Opposite of Worry
"The Opposite of Worry is an informative resource for parents and
other family members. The book is easy to read, comprehensive and
notable for its many practical suggestions."--New England
Psychologist
"Good advice for parents making daily calls to the pediatrician . . .
Anxiety is a full-body sport, and Cohen's main advice is not to treat it
with words but with actions. . . . Physicality is about living in the
present, and for anxious people, the present is a powerful place of
healing. Intended for parents of children ages 3 to 15, this book offers
anecdotes and fun anti-anxiety games."--Publishers Weekly
"Here's the help parents of anxious children have been looking for! Dr.
Cohen's genius is in the warm and generous spirit of the strategies he
outlines for parents. He grounds his playful approach in a sound
explanation of how anxiety affects children, and how they heal. Parents
will come away with plenty of ideas to help them develop their
children's confidence. While reading, I found myself thinking, 'I'd like
to try that for myself!'"--Patty Wipfler, founder and program
director, Hand in Hand Parenting
"If you want to understand your child's anxiety--and your own parental
worries--you must read Larry Cohen's brilliant book, The Opposite of
Worry. Dr. Cohen is one of the most imaginative and thoughtful
psychologists you will ever encounter. He explains how and why children
become anxious and then shows how we can use empathy and play to help
them escape from the terrifying dark corners of childhood."--Michael
Thompson, Ph.D.
"The Opposite of Worry offers a treasure trove of ideas to help
children feel confident and secure. Lawrence Cohen has written a book
that will help every parent of an anxious child."--Aletha Solter,
Ph.D., founder, Aware Parenting, and author of Attachment Play
