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Worry, Worry, Go Away!
A Kid's Book about Worry and Anxiety
By Christine A. Adams, R. W. Alley Abbey Press
Copyright © 2012 Christine A. Adams, M.A.
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4976-9296-1
CHAPTER 1
What Is a Worry?
A worry is an idea that pops into your mind when you're scared. It may be real or "make believe."
You have a wonder-ful mind. It talks to you about real things and "make believe" things. It might say you are in real danger, or that someone won't like you, or will make fun of you. That is your "worry voice" saying, "What if something bad happens?"
Your "smart voice" tells you that these worries might not be true. Your "smart voice" says "What else could happen—maybe it won't be so bad?"
Remember, God gave you your wonder-ful mind. God helps you use your "smart voice" to figure out what's real and "make believe."
When We Need to Listen to Our Worry Voice
Grown-ups tell us to look both ways when we cross the street, not to talk to strangers, and not to play with matches. We need to listen when our "worry voice" tells us to stay safe.
When we "worry" about getting a bad grade, we do our homework and study our spelling words. It's good when we listen to our "worry voice" telling us to do our best.
Sometimes, though, the "worry voice" gets turned on and there's nothing to be afraid of, like with bugs, monsters, or thunderstorms—or it says we can't do something when we can. That's not so good.
Your job is to turn on your "smart voice." It will tell you to STOP and THINK TWICE, to breathe and relax, and figure out if you should listen or not.
Where Do Worries Come From?
Some movies, TV shows, and books can make us worry. It's easy to get mixed up about what's real and what's "make believe."
Everybody feels afraid sometimes; but when you're a kid, lots of things seem scary. You may hear and see things you don't understand. When you're afraid, talk to your parents or a helpful grown-up.
Talking about your worries makes you feel safer. It helps your fear fade away and stop your worries from growing.
When Worries Grow Into Anxiety
When you listen to the "worry voice" too much, your worries get bigger. They get louder in your mind and seem true, even when they're not. Somehow, worries get stuck and play over and over again. New ones pop up. This is called "anxiety."
Worry is like rain. A little bit is good. It makes plants grow, giving us food. But a lot of rain can be bad. It covers the ground so nothing can grow.
When you worry a little about a spelling test, you study and get a good grade. When you worry too much, you get anxious and forget the words.
Don't let anxiety take over and keep you from doing your best. Let God help you. Be a worry-wise kid!
Slow Down, Relax, and Breathe
When you feel fear, whether it's real or "make believe," you might begin sweating, have butterflies in your stomach, get a headache, and feel like you can't think straight.
When you feel nervous and jittery, turn on your "smart voice" and remind yourself to slow down. Take a deep breath—all the way into your belly. Hold that breath while you count slowly from 1 to 5. Let it out slowly and count from 1 to 5 again. Practice doing this now. If you do it 10 times, you'll be calm. No kidding.
Exercise is also very good for you. Your body calms down and worries slip away. Eat healthy foods, like plenty of fruits and veggies—and keep moving.
(Continues...)
Excerpted from Worry, Worry, Go Away! by Christine A. Adams, R. W. Alley. Copyright © 2012 Christine A. Adams, M.A.. Excerpted by permission of Abbey Press.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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