independence: 2 Articles

In honor of Independence Day, here are some stories for kids about being independent. Whether it’s trying new things, overcoming anxieties, or making new friends, these stories can help your child strike out on their own. Too Shy To Say Hi by Shannon Anderson Shelli used to be content in her little world, thinking that her pet friends with feathers, fins, and fur were enough. But now, Shelli is determined to try to make friends with kids at school. Readers will relate as Shelli takes brave steps toward breaking out of her shell. Making friends can be tough, but this rhyming picture book will help navigate difficulties of shyness and social anxiety. Includes a Note to Parents and Caregivers by Elizabeth McCallum, PhD, with more information about shyness and social anxiety. “Nakata’s wispy, light brush strokes match the emotional impact of Shelli’s uncertainty, shimmering and delicate across the page... Echoes the inner thoughts some anxious children may have, hopefully making them feel less alone.” —Kirkus Reviews Hear Too Shy to Say Hi read aloud here. The Not-So-Scary Dog by Alanna Probst, MD Tommy’s fear of dogs is keeping him away from the birthday party of the year, so he and his mom hatch a step-by-step plan to overcome his fear in time for the party. This is a lighthearted, straightforward introduction to the concept of exposure therapy for kids dealing with phobias.  Includes a Note to Parents and Caregivers about how to support kids working through exposure therapy. Read an excerpt from the Note to Parents and Caregivers here. Hear The Not So Scary Dog read aloud here. Baby Blue by Judi Abbot Baby Blue lives in a blue world—everything is blue, from the trees, to the flowers, to the animals. When he accidentally tears a hole and a strange light pours in, he can see someone that isn’t blue—another little person like him, only they are yellow. Scared but curious, he overcomes his fear and introduces himself to Baby Yellow. With his new friend, he realizes that the world is full of new and wonderful things to discover. This sweet story encourages children to conquer their fear of the unknown and take a chance on new and different things. Hear Baby Blue read aloud here. Read an interview with Judi Abbot about creating Baby Blue here. Find Your Fierce by Jacqueline Sperling, PhD Teens will become their bravest and fiercest selves and overcome social anxiety disorder with this helpful, upbeat book written by an expert in the field. Social anxiety is tough, but teens don’t have to figure it out alone. This empowering book will walk them through strategies that work. From practicing mindfulness to relaxing their bodies, readers can train their brains to help them gradually get back to doing more of what they love to do. These tools will help teens manage anxiety in the future and keep it from managing them. This book uses evidence-based skills from cognitive behavioral therapy to give teens a toolkit