Benny Says Goodbye to Worries: Kids and Parents Overcoming Anxiety
Book description
Overcoming fears and worries is what Benny Says Goodbye to Worries is all about. It introduces a unique roadmap for parents with simple strategies based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy principles. For kids, it is a humorous and intriguing story that illustrates how they can overcome fears and worries with their parents’ help. The book tells Benny and his parents’ story and how they worked together to beat Benny’s fears and worries. The journey was not easy, and along the way, they had to overcome one challenge after another until they finally succeeded. The book introduces strategies consisting of simple, proven Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) practices based on Dr. Jonathan Kushnir’s years of experience.
Recommendation
Dr. Claudia Lang, Clinical Psychologist
As a clinical psychologist and supervisor I find all of Dr. Kushnir’s books very helpful for both clients and therapists. This book’s topic is very important and helps families cope with a wide spread phenomena of children’s fears and anxieties. I love the relevant content as well as the expressive illustrations. I highly recommend it!
Who is this book for?
- Your child asks 'what if' questions over and over and needs constant reassurance
- Worries get in the way of school, activities, or falling asleep
- Your child avoids new or uncertain situations because something bad might happen
- You have tried reassuring and explaining, and the worries keep coming back
What’s inside
- A humorous story for kids about Benny and his parents working together to beat his fears and worries
- 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
- Strategies based on Dr. Jonathan Kushnir's years of experience
How to use this book
Read the story together at a calm time, not in the middle of a worry. Ask your child what Benny worries about and whether any of it sounds familiar. Read the parent strategies on your own, pick one worry to work on first, and take small steps. Go back to the story whenever your child needs a reminder.
Book details
- Authors: Dr. Jonathan Kushnir, Ram Kushnir
- Published: October 2023
- Language: English
Frequently asked questions
What age is Benny Says Goodbye to Worries 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, with strategies for the parents.
How do I know if my child's worries are normal?
All children worry sometimes, and passing worries are a normal part of growing up. Worries deserve more attention when they are frequent, hard for the child to let go of, and get in the way of school, sleep, or everyday activities.
Should I keep reassuring my anxious child?
Reassurance calms a child for a moment, but repeating it again and again can keep the worry going. A CBT approach encourages parents to show empathy, express confidence that the child can cope, and gradually give less reassurance.
When a book is not enough
If worries last for weeks, cause strong distress, or interfere with school, sleep, or friendships, it is worth consulting a child psychologist or your pediatrician. Read more about Dr. Kushnir and his online clinics.
Related guide: Books for anxious children