Davey Isn’t Afraid of Goodbyes: A Story about Overcoming Separation Anxiety
Book description
“Mom, Don’t go! I’m scared when you’re not here.”
“What if something bad happens while you’re away?”
“When will you be back? Promise you’ll come back soon?”
Sounds familiar?
These are all things Davey used to say to his parents, but that was when he was afraid of goodbyes and couldn’t be parted from his parents. This charming children’s book tells the story of Davey’s journey with his parents as they learn how to say goodbye.
Filled with humor and intrigue, this story conveys the message that children can beat separation anxiety and learn to be away from their parents.
The book outlines simple yet highly effective Cognitive Behavioral Therapy strategies, drawing on Dr. Jonathan Kushnir’s extensive experience guiding children and parents.
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The information contained in this book is provided for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any attempt to diagnose and treat a medical condition should be done under the direction of a healthcare provider or physician. For any medical conditions, each individual is recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before using any information or ideas discussed. The author shall not be liable or responsible for any loss or adverse effects allegedly arising from any information or suggestion in this book.
Recommendations
Who is this book for?
- Your child begs you not to leave and gets scared when you are not there
- Your child worries that something bad will happen while you are away
- Your child asks again and again when you will be back and wants you to promise
- Goodbyes at school or with a sitter turn into long, tearful scenes
What’s inside
- The story of Davey's journey with his parents as they learn how to say goodbye
- A story told with humor, with the message that children can beat separation anxiety and learn to be away from their parents
- Simple Cognitive Behavioral Therapy strategies outlined in the book
- An approach drawn from Dr. Jonathan Kushnir's experience guiding children and parents
How to use this book
Read the story together at a relaxed time, not during a hard goodbye. Ask your child which of Davey's worries sound familiar. Use the strategies in the book to plan short practice separations that slowly get longer, keep your goodbyes brief and confident, and praise your child afterward for every separation they manage.
Book details
- Authors: Dr. Jonathan Kushnir, Ram Kushnir
- Illustrator: Nikola Aronová
- Reading age: 4–8 years
- Pages: 42
- Published: August 2024
- Language: English
Frequently asked questions
What age is Davey Isn't Afraid of Goodbyes for?
The stated reading age is 4 to 8. It is a picture book meant to be read together with a parent.
What can I do when my child cries at drop-off?
Keep the goodbye short, warm, and predictable, say when you will be back, and then leave without lingering or sneaking away. Long goodbyes and coming back to comfort the child tend to make the next separation harder. Many children settle soon after the parent has left.
Can a child overcome separation anxiety?
Yes, many children do. With gradual practice, starting with short separations that slowly get longer, and parents who stay calm and confident, children learn that they can cope while a parent is away. A story like this one can support that process.
When a book is not enough
If the fear of separation lasts for several weeks, leads to school refusal or sleep problems, or causes your child 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