Benny Learns to Say Goodbye: Kids and Parents Beating Fear of Separation
Book description
Overcoming separation anxiety is what this book is all about.
Benny Learns to Say Goodbye introduces a unique roadmap.
For parents: Simple strategies based on Cognitive Behavioral
Therapy principles.
For kids: It is a humorous and intriguing story that illustrates how
children can overcome separation anxiety with their parents’ help.
This book tells Benny and his parents’ story and how they worked together in beating Benny’s fear of separation. The journey was not easy, and along the way, they had to overcome one challenge after another until they finally succeeded. Today Benny can easily say goodbye to his parents. His independence has increased significantly, and he can do many things he avoided before. His parents are no longer worried, and the family relationship is vastly improved.
Recommendation
Dr. Michael Zivor, Clinical Psychologist, St Mary’s Hospital, London
Another Wonderful book in this Series written by Dr. Kushnir. A friendly and helpful self help book for parents wanting to help their child overcoming fear of separation . The Book is based on evidence based CBT approach for anxiety problems. I bought the book for my clinic and highly recommend it to my clients.
Yoel Elizur Associate professor and Head of the Clinical Child & Educational Psychology Program at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
A lovely book, I just read it and immediately thought of parents and children who could benefit from the book. The story is well written, the illustrations are eye-catching and the book as a whole is valuable for any therapist who works with children and is of course suitable for parents and children themselves. Recommend to everyone.
Who is this book for?
- Drop-off at preschool or school ends in tears, clinging, or begging you to stay
- Your child follows you from room to room and will not stay with a sitter or relative
- Your child avoids playdates, sleepovers, or activities unless you are there
- You find yourself changing plans to avoid upsetting goodbyes
What’s inside
- A humorous story for kids about Benny and his parents working together to beat his fear of separation
- A roadmap for parents with simple strategies based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy principles
- A realistic journey, with one challenge after another before the family succeeds
- A picture of the result: Benny says goodbye easily, is more independent, and does things he used to avoid
How to use this book
Read the story together at a relaxed time, not at the door on the way out. Talk about how Benny feels when he has to say goodbye and what helps him. Read the parent strategies yourself, then plan small practice separations that grow gradually, and praise your child for each goodbye that goes a little better.
Book details
- Authors: Dr. Jonathan Kushnir, Ram Kushnir
- Illustrator: Vidya Lalgudi Jaishankar
- Pages: 50
- Published: October 2022
- Language: English
Frequently asked questions
What age is Benny Learns to Say Goodbye for?
A reading age is not stated for this book. It is written as a picture book for young children to read together with a parent, and it includes strategies for the parents.
Is separation anxiety normal in young children?
Yes. Some fear of separation is a normal part of early childhood and usually eases with time. It deserves more attention when it is intense, lasts for weeks, or keeps a child from school, sleep, or everyday activities.
Can a book really help with separation anxiety?
A story can help a child understand the fear and see that it can be faced step by step with their parents' help. It also gives parents a clear, CBT-based plan to follow. A book can help many families, but it is educational and does not replace professional care.
When a book is not enough
If your child's fear of separation lasts for several weeks, leads to school refusal or sleep problems, or causes strong distress, it is worth consulting a child psychologist or your pediatrician. Read more about Dr. Kushnir and his online clinics.
Related guide: Books for children with separation anxiety