Contents

Dedications

Crystal Clarke, MSW, RSW

Robin Alter, PhD

Crystal Clarke and Robin Alter

A Letter to Parents

Chapter 1: Questions and Answers

What Is Anxiety?

Why Do We Worry?

How We Deal with Danger: Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Beyond

Who Has Fears and Worries?

Why Do Some People Worry More?

What Is My Imagination Good For?

Can I Become the Boss of My Imagination?

What Happens When We Hide Our Fears and Worries?

What Can We Do with Our Fears and Worries?

Chapter 2: Getting to Know More About Me

Things I’m Already Good At

I’m More than My Worries

Chapter 3: Getting To Know More About Fears and Worries

Common Fears and Worries

Learning About My Fears and Worries

My Fears and Worries

When Are My Worries Around?

What Are Body Clues?

Common Body Clues

What Is Happening in My Body?

The Brain and the Body

BRAIN

EYES

MUSCLES

LUNGS

STOMACH

HEART

BLOOD

SKIN

My Body Clues

Chapter 4: Taking Charge of My Mind and Body

My Skills and Strategies

My Very Own Worry Box

Some Things Other Kids Found Helpful

Mind and Body Training: Relaxation and Mindfulness

My Relaxation Ideas

The Body Stress Test

The Body Scan

My Relaxation List

Deep Belly Breathing

Muscle Relaxation: A Trip to the Circus

Making a Stress Ball

Creating My Own Peaceful Place

Mindfulness Meditation

Bubble Meditation

Brain Breathing

Making a Feeling Jar

Taking Charge of My Thoughts

The Worry Leap Frog Game

Act Positive to Feel Positive

Talking to Others

Being Assertive (Standing Up for Myself)

Chapter 5: Taking Charge of Worries About Real Things

Problem Solving

Facing Fears: Step-by-Step

Making a Step-by-Step Plan

Chapter 6: Taking Charge of My Imagination

Worry

Worry’s Words:

Standing Up to Worry

My Worry Buddy

My Worry Buddy’s Words

“Even Though…”

Taking a Break from Worry

Draw the Scary Thing…

…Now Change It

Mastering the Worry

Become the Expert (Get to Know Your Fear)

Dress Up as My Fear

Draw My Fear…and Turn It Silly

How I’ve Changed

Taking Charge of My Worries

Sharing My Success

Chapter 7: Remembering and Staying Motivated

Worry Scale

Make It a Competition

Remember

My Very Own Worry Plan Poster