The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook for Kids: Help for Children to Cope with Stress, Anxiety, and Transitions

by Lawrence E. Shapiro, Robin K. Sprague, Matthew McKay (Foreword)

Children pay close attention to their parents' moods. When parents feel upset, their kids may become anxious, and when parents wind down, children also get the chance to relax. When you feel overwhelmed and stressed, it can be hard to help your child feel balanced. The Relaxation & Stress Reduction Workbook for Kids, written by two child therapists, offers more than fifty activities you can do together as a family to help you and your child replace stressful and anxious feelings with feelings of optimism, confidence, and joy.

You'll learn proven relaxation techniques, including deep breathing, guided imagery, mindfulness, and yoga, and then receive guidance for teaching them to your child. Your child will also discover how taking time to do art and creative projects can create a sense of fulfillment and calm. By completing just one ten-minute activity from this workbook each day, you'll make relaxation a family habit that will stay with both you and your child for a lifetime.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Psychology, Family, Self Help, Health

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Abigail]

A nice intro book with many simple, easy-to-implement ideas for families to use with kids who might be struggling with anxiety and stress. Not as useful if you're looking for something to use in clinical practice or in school, but still worth flipping through.

[Megan]

Better for older kids (I'd say at least 8 years-old).

[Ashley FL]

Really practical, easy strategies for kids and adults. Very kid-appropriate. By page 35, I had decided I needed to own it (I had it from the library).

[Sarah]

Nice descriptions of relaxation strategies for kids/preteens.

[Therapist]

I used this with clients and parents. From kids as young as 8 I have found it helpful and so useful. They do a great job explaining skills and practicing them. As a therapist I am glad I found it.

[Lil]

Relaxation

I look forward to using the exercises in this book. It covers many areas that affect and help the stress that kids feel.