Dealing with matters of mental health with young children isn't easy.
Some kids don't have a complete understanding of what they're feeling. Others may not have the words for it. It's hard to express yourself when you're not sure what you're trying to express. As a result, some kids learn to keep their emotions to themselves. That may work in the moment, but it can lead to other issues down the line.
Thankfully, there's been a renewed push to address mental well-being with children. Mental health workbooks and activity books are a great way to help young kids work through their emotions.
There are many different books out there tailored to many situations a child may face. Some are recommended and used by therapists, while others are more designed for family use. Whichever you're more comfortable with, these books can help young children work through big feelings in a way the entire family will benefit from.
'The Worry Workbook for Kids: Helping Children To Overcome Anxiety and the Fear of Uncertainty (An Instant Help Book for Parents & Kids)'
Many kids have fears about the things they can't grasp. Worry consumes a lot of children in a way that's difficult to identify. This workbook was developed by two respected psychologists and offers fun, action-based activities grounded in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
'Marvin's Monster Diary: ADHD Attacks! (But I Rock It, Big Time)'
Marvin is a lovable monster living with ADHD. Marvin's misadventures are told through drawings and doodles, while mindfulness techniques teach kids coping skills.
Shop Now: Marvin's Monster Diary: ADHD Attacks! (But I Rock It, Big Time) (Amazon, $11.99)
'CBT Workbook for Kids: 40+ Fun Exercises and Activities To Help Children Overcome Anxiety & Face Their Fears at Home, at School, and Out in the World'
Kids who are overcome with worry may not understand what's happening to them. This book helps them understand it, then face it on a day-to-day basis through various activities and exercises.
'The Survival Guide for Kids With Behavior Challenges: How To Make Good Choices and Stay Out of Trouble'
Parents rave that this book offers solutions that can apply to a number of behavioral issues, both diagnosed and undiagnosed. They also share that kids feel reassured in knowing they aren't the only ones facing these issues.
'Big Life Journal: Daily Edition'
The latest edition of Big Life Journal helps kids take some time every day to learn about and assess their feelings. It can help your child embrace encouraging, self-loving thoughts and teaches a growth mindset of resilience, confidence, gratitude, kindness, and self-love.
Shop Now: Big Life Journal, Daily Edition (Big Life Journal, $19.95)
'Anger Management Skills Workbook for Kids: 40 Awesome Activities To Help Children Calm Down, Cope, and Regain Control'
This workbook aims to help kids ages 5 to 10 work through feelings of anger that can lead to impulsive decision making. It arms kids with tools to approach situations with a calm, collected demeanor.
'What To Do When Your Brain Gets Stuck: A Kid's Guide To Overcoming OCD'
This book guides parents and kids through CBT exercises used to treat OCD. Kids learn how to see the signs that their mind is stuck and work through those moments.
Shop Now: What To Do When Your Brain Gets Stuck: A Kid's Guide To Overcoming OCD (Amazon, $13.65)
'Occupational Therapy Activities for Kids: 100 Fun Games and Exercises To Build Skills'
Some kids need a little help in learning life skills. These activities can do just that for parents and kids. The book's organization allows you to focus on the areas your child needs extra work with and is customizable based on your child's needs.
'Coping Skills for Kids Workbook: Over 75 Coping Strategies To Help Kids Deal With Stress, Anxiety and Anger'
Not every kid feels confident in their ability to deal with big feelings. This book offers diverse suggestions and allows for practicing different things to discover what works.
'Sense of Self — Coping Skills for Kids Workbook: Stress Management Tools'
This book helps kids develop coping skills and life skills that will help them come into their own. It draws from different therapies including DBT, CBT, educational theories, and self-care practices.
Shop Now: Sense of Self — Coping Skills for Kids Workbook: Stress Management Tools (Amazon, $14.99)
'Trauma Workbook for Kids'
Kids process trauma in a number of complex ways. This book helps track the road to recovery with space to note triggers, keep track of medications, and more. It also uses relaxation techniques to get kids back to a place of gratitude and dream building.
'Self-Therapy and Healing Workbook for Cool Kids: Regular Anxiety and Stress Management'
It's easy to feel out of control of your environment, especially during a time like the present. This book helps kids ages 7 to 13 to identify triggers and determine coping skills. The book can also be utilized for kids ages 5 to 7 with parental guidance.
Psst: If you choose to purchase an item on this list, LittleThings may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
