Table of Contents
About the Authors v
Acknowledgments vii
Introduction: Welcome to Our Workbook 1
Welcome! 1
How to Use This Workbook 1
Limitations 2
A Note about COVID-19 3
Chapter 1 Anxiety: The Basics 5
Defining Anxiety 6
What Is Anxiety? 6
Anxiety is different from … 7
Anxiety is not … 8
Anxiety Symptoms 8
Diagnosing Anxiety 10
Neurobiology: Anxiety and the Brain 10
Misconceptions about Anxiety 13
Child Development: A Quick Primer 15
Should I Be Concerned about My Child's Anxiety? 16
Getting Help 20
Chapter 2 Parent Prep: Help Yourself to Help Your Child 23
Parent Self-Reflection 24
Activity 2.1 Anxiety Self-Reflection 25
Anxiety Projection 30
Helicopter Parenting 31
Excessive Criticism 31
KYST Parent Behaviors and Language 33
Honest Self-Reflection 35
Activity 2.2 Anxiety Mind and Body Cues 35
Willingness to Let Your Child Fail 36
Activity 2.3 Parent Activity 37
Fear of (Your Child's) Failure 37
Acceptance: Your Child Is Not You and You Are Not Your Child 38
Activity 2.4 Shifting Assumptions 39
Talking Things Out 41
Steps to Take When You Talk Out a Problem 41
Example Script for Talking Out a Problem 42
Activity 2.5 Talking Out a Problem 43
Modeling Problem Solving 44
Activity 2.6 Promoting Problem Solving 44
Choosing Your Words Carefully 45
Activity 2.7 Words Are Powerful 45
KYST Parent Language 45
Examples of Positive Ways to Share your Perspective: 46
Committing to Change 49
Activity 2.8 Doing Things Differently: Practicing KYST Parenting 49
Involving Others 51
Activity 2.9 Consulting with Others 53
Finding Support for Your Anxiety 56
Chapter 3 Interventions: Strategies and Coping Activities for Your Child 57
Tips for Getting the Most Out of the Interventions 59
Child Self-Assessment 62
Activity 3.1 Anxiety Self-Reflection 62
Cognitive Restructuring Interventions and Exercises 64
Activity 3.2 Worry Jar 64
Activity 3.3 Worry Time 65
Activity 3.4 My Favorite Things 66
Activity 3.5 Daily Mood Record 68
Activity 3.6 Self-Talk Cheerleader! 70
Activity 3.7 Journal of Joy 72
Activity 3.8 Get-Over-The-Fear Goals 73
Activity 3.9 Magic Lego Connection 76
Activity 3.10 Watch the Clock 77
Activity 3.11 Four Quick Questions 78
Activity 3.12 The Three Cs 80
Activity 3.13 ACT (Acknowledge, Consider, Try) 82
Activity 3.14 Refraining 84
Activity 3.15 Hit the Snooze Button 86
Activity 3.16 Change Your Vocabulary! 87
Activity 3.17 Checked It Checklist 89
Activity 3.18 Plan for the "Problem" 90
Activity 3.19 The "So What?" Game 93
Activity 3.20 SUDS 95
Activity 3.21 Self-Evaluation 97
Mindfulness Interventions and Exercises 99
Activity 3.22 Deep Breathing Basics 99
Activity 3.23 Mindful Awareness 100
Activity 3.24 Sensory Awareness 102
Activity 3.25 Count Five Sounds 103
Activity 3.26 Grounding 104
Activity 3.27 Visualization 105
Activity 3.28 Your Happy Place 106
Activity 3.29 Body Scan 108
Activity 3.30 Progressive Muscle Relaxation 109
Activity 3.31 Fresh Juice 110
Activity 3.32 Squeezy Sponge 111
Activity 3.33 Calm Down Jar 112
Self-Regulation Interventions and Exercises 112
Activity 3.34 Give a Hug, Get a Hug 113
Activity 3.35 Get Twisty 113
Activity 3.36 Cold Drink of Water 114
Activity 3.37 Exercise! 115
Activity 3.38 Stress Balls! 116
Activity 3.39 Fidgeting 116
Activity 3.40 Just Listen (or Sing Too) 117
Activity 3.41 Take-a-Break Bowl 118
Activity 3.42 Just Talk … 119
Activity 3.43 Blow! 120
Activity 3.44 Stuffed Animal Snuggle 121
Creativity Interventions and Exercises 122
Activity 3.45 Draw Your Anxiety 122
Activity 3.46 Anxiety in Your Body 122
Activity 3.47 Child-Driven Time 123
Activity 3.48 Exploring Your Anxiety 124
Activity 3.49 Anxiety Comics! 126
Activity 3.50 Create Your Own Mantra 128
Chapter 4 Maintenance: Maintaining and Gaining 131
Defining Maintenance 132
Recognize Triggers and Symptoms 132
Utilize Coping Skills 133
Adapt as Necessary 133
Involving Others-Revisited 134
Developing a Maintenance Plan 136
Family Interventions and Exercises 137
Activity 4.1 Maintenance Plan 137
Activity 4.2 Relaxation Haven 141
Activity 4.3 Coping Skills Toolbox 142
Activity 4.4 Family Mantra 143
Activity 4.5 Family Meeting 145
Activity 4.6 Family Calm Down Rules 146
Chapter 5 Resources 149
Books about Anxiety for All Ages 150
For Parents/Caregivers/Adults 150
For Kids Age 8 and Under 151
For Kids Age 8-12 152
For Kids Age 12 and Older 153
Creative Items to Help Reduce Anxiety for Kids 153
App and Website Resources to Help Reduce Anxiety for Kids 154
Additional Kid-Friendly Antianxiety Resources 155
Organizations and Websites with Additional Information about Anxiety 156
KYST Resources for Parents 156
Creative Items and Outlets to Help Reduce Anxiety for Parents 156
App and Website Resources to Help Reduce Anxiety for Parents 157
Alternative Antianxiety Options for Parents to Try 158
Build-Your-Village Resources for Parents 158
Appendix A Understanding Anxiety-Related Structures and Processes 161
Anxiety-Related Structures and Processes in the Brain and Nervous System 161
165
Notes 171
Index 173
