Ruby and the Secrets of Relaxation
Book description
Introducing Ruby and the Secrets of Relaxation, a heartwarming children’s book showing young readers that relaxation can be easy and fun! Through guidance given by her mother, Ruby learns how to relax effectively. Her mother’s methods help her calm down and feel more relaxed when anxious.
In this illustrated tale, Ruby’s story becomes a lesson for children and parents alike. Ruby and the Secrets of Relaxation aims to help kids calm down, reduce tension, and handle stress and anxiety in a fun and engaging way. We hope that embedding these principles in the story will enable parents to introduce and implement them more easily with their children. The principles described in this book are based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dr. Jonathan Kushnir’s years of experience working with children and their families.
Recommendations
Yoel Elizur
Associate professor and Head of the Clinical Child & Educational Psychology Program at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
A story that is very useful for teaching relaxation to young kids. It is engaging and well illustrated. Adults will enjoy telling it and children will be moved to try and learn the art and practice of progressive relaxation.
Dr. Michael Zivor , Clinical Psychologist , North West London , NHS. UK
Another wonderful book by Dr. Kushnir. The strategies are great for kids and parents alike. This book will definitely be recommends to my patients who struggle with anxiety and stress.
Who is this book for?
- Your child gets tense, worried, or wound up and has trouble calming down
- You tell your child to relax, but they do not know how
- Stress or anxiety shows up in your child's body, as tension or restlessness
- You want a simple calming skill you can practice together
What’s inside
- The illustrated story of Ruby, who learns from her mother how to relax effectively
- Methods that help Ruby calm down and feel more relaxed when she is anxious
- Principles based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dr. Jonathan Kushnir's years of work with children and families
- A story format that makes it easier for parents to introduce relaxation and practice it with their child
How to use this book
Read the story together when your child is calm. Try the methods Ruby's mother teaches right along with the story, and keep it playful. Practice for a few minutes on most days, so the skill is familiar before your child needs it. In a tense moment, gently remind your child of what Ruby does.
Book details
- Author: Dr. Jonathan Kushnir
- Reading age: 3–7 years
- Published: September 2023
- Language: English
Frequently asked questions
What age is Ruby and the Secrets of Relaxation for?
The stated reading age is 3 to 7. It is an illustrated story meant to be read together with a parent, who can then practice the methods with the child.
How can I teach a young child to relax?
Young children learn relaxation best through play, stories, and practice with a parent, at a time when they are already calm. Short, regular practice works better than long sessions. The book presents relaxation through Ruby's story so children can follow along.
Can relaxation help a child with anxiety?
Relaxation can help many children reduce tension and feel more in control when they are anxious or stressed. It is one useful tool within a CBT approach. For strong or lasting anxiety, relaxation alone is usually not enough.
When a book is not enough
If your child's stress or anxiety lasts for weeks, disrupts sleep, school, or daily life, or does not ease with calming skills, 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