Table of Contents
Foreword 7
Introduction: A guide for parents and carers 8
How to use this book 8
Signs of anxiety 9
Talking it over 10
Getting started 11
How to use this book: A guide for children 12
Introducing Fiz the monster 13
Part I What is Anxiety? 14
Activity: All about me! 15
What are feelings? 18
Why do we feel worried? 21
Activity: How does Fiz feel? 25
What does anxiety feel like? 26
What do kids worry about? 27
Activity: My worries 31
Panic attacks 35
Part 2 Dealing with Worries 37
Activity: Happy brain/worried brain 38
Listen to your body and mind 41
The anxiety hill 43
Activity: Handprint breathing 44
Activity: My battle cry! 46
Activity: Count it out 49
How big is my problem? 50
Activity: My day 52
The big wide world 55
Things that go bump in the night 56
Knowledge is power 57
Why do we tell scary stories? 58
Keep a diary 60
Activity: Help Fiz feel better 61
Thoughts, feelings and actions 62
Thinking errors 65
Part 3 Solving the Problem 67
Fact or opinion? 68
Activity: Facts about me 69
Thoughts aren't facts 72
Work it out! 75
Activity: What does your worry look like? 79
Talk to your worry 80
Understanding your worries 82
Activity: My worry jar 87
Activity: I'm brave! 90
Letting go 91
Fatima's bravery plan 93
Face your fears 94
Joe's bravery plan 96
Activity: My bravery plan 98
Part 4 Looking after Yourself 100
What do you do to relax? 101
What is tension? 104
Activity: Squeezy nose breathing 104
Appearances 106
Activity: Mirror, mirror 107
Love your body 110
Keep healthy 111
Activity: Sleep 112
Part 5 Friendships and Bullying 114
What makes a true friend? 115
What does bullying look like? 117
You're not alone 117
We are all different! 119
Activity: Love your differences! 120
My perfect friend…? 123
Activity: I'm grateful for 123
Part 6 What Next? 130
Activity: My anxiety action plan 131
You're not the only one 134
The end 137
For parents: How to help your child deal with anxiety 138
Further advice 140
Recommended reading 141
Credits 141