Why Smart Kids Worry: And What Parents Can Do to Help (15 Tools for Parenting Your Anxious Child) Paperback – September 3, 2013

This book was EXTREMELY helpful when my 6 year old was struggling with anxiety issues. I have never written a review before, but this book really spoke to me. It described how my son behaves as though it was written about him, and it breaks down the process and explains the "why" behind it. It normalized his behavior for me when no one else could help, other than potentially seeking professional help, which we weren't ready for. So as a parent, it made me feel less alone and I no longer felt to blame for how my child felt. It made me understand his behavior better as a mother, but it also provides a number of tools you can utilize depending on your situation. It was an easy read and very relatable. Both my husband and I felt a stronger connection with our son after reading this and diving deeper into his thought process. It has been 3 months, and my son is currently rocking at school scholastically and socially, whereas before he would cry throughout the day due to his internalized struggles and worries, which really held his potential back. I highly recommend this book.

Loved this! The author provided a lot of clarifying information about anxiety and tangible tips that parents can leave this book with and implement right away. The writing was perfect for the audience, not too technical or or clinical, but still gave a great debriefing of what anxiety and processing looks like for different children and developmental ages. I enjoyed the discussion of Howard Gardners eight types of intelligence, bc it was such a good reminder at the beginning of the book that our kids are all smart in different ways and highlighting those moments of confidence for them can be transformative in their experiences of school and social situations. As an elementary counselor, I will be recommending this book to parents and fellow counselors alike. So glad I picked it up!

A must have for parents with a smart kid! I don't mean gifted, which your child may very well be (and this would be useful), but emotionally inteligent, inquisitive, and observant. It's for all those parents who just don't know what to do with their kid that is anxious, worried, or socially not getting it-be seem to "get it" in other areas. I am a professional counselor but when it comes to my own kids, it's a challenge, even with the education and experience! Why? Becuase my personal emotons and experiences are involved, and there is a unique family dynamic to each of our families. I found this book to be logical, practical, and useful-the tools are easy to implement. It's a wonderful book-I am impressed by the writer. I have already recommended to friends and it will recommended to parents of students who I work with.

Some good information in this book. However, it focuses more on generalized anxiety rather than social anxiety. I was hoping to read more about social anxiety.

Not written like a textbook. Easily read and a great deal of insight for a parent and child. Have used many ideas and they have been helpful for me as a grandparent in learning strategies in helping my grandson

I am not one to read OR write reviews, but this book deserves a review. I have been struggling with an anxious 6 year old and was at my wits end because I really had no idea how to help him, I felt helpless and lost. I came to Amazon hoping I could find a book to help and I am soglad I stumbled upon this one. I read this book in a day and a half, I didn’t want to put it down because I wanted to start helping my child immediately. This book has SO MUCH good information in it. I learned so many things from this book and now feel like I can fully understand how my 6 year olds brain works and feel I have the tools to help him when he is feeling anxious. BUY THE BOOK!

This is a wonderful book. So very helpful in considering how these smart little ones think & what their world really looks & feels like to them. I found it to be a real eye-opener, & the type of book I like to look back into & re-read & think about. There are some great tools in the back that I'm going to start using with my daughter. Some of these tools would even be good for adults to use as well.

Easy to read, lots of examples, very helpful. This is not a book that is full of guilt for parents. It was very insightful. The second half of the book gives great ideas to help your child. I have already read it twice.