Hello families!

I thought you might appreciate some fresh material to introduce to your kids and help teach them about feelings!

After reading Little Worm* with your children, use this lesson as an activity. 

*If you don’t have your own copy of Little Worm, you can wait for a live reading on social media soon!

1. In the blank space, encourage your child to create their own picture of Little Worm. They can draw, color or find materials around the house! 

2. Ask your child about a time they felt worried. In the section below, instruct your child to write about their own worries (or help them write if they are still learning). 

3. After they share their story with you, sit and talk for a minute about how worry can sometimes be hard to feel, and remind them that during this time, your family can work together to help each other feel safe. If you would like more ideas about how to chat with your kids about worry, remember the note to caregivers in the back of the book. It's also posted on the website, here!

4. If your kids like Little Worm and want more, here is a coloring page you can print from the website!

---

Recently, Little Worm grabbed the attention of professionals who shared thoughts about the book. Houston Family Psychology posted a review on the Blog section of the website. Hearing how the book was used in a clinical setting matched perfectly with how I imagined professionals could utilize Little Worm in session with young clients. A portion of the review reads: 

Next, I brought the book to work, where I read it with some of my young patients. All of the children were drawn in by the bright, colorful pictures and rhyming prose, and seemed to enjoy the story, and some of them opened up more than usual about their anxious symptoms and concerns after reading this book. The children who opened up the most were ones who could relate to Little Worm more, specifically children who experience physical symptoms in response to anxiety and children who have difficulty dealing with changes of plan. 

For other posts with valuable information, visit the Houston Family Psychology Blog and click around! I know you'll land on something useful. 

Additionally, the Midwest Book Review had these words to share about Little Worm: 

Today is the day: Little Worm is going to run a whole mile! But oh no, it's raining! Little Worm starts to feel sad, and then he feels funny. He's so disappointed. Little Worm has been looking forward to this day for weeks. What if he can’t run at all today? Enhanced for children ages 3 to 7 with illustrations by Armando Loredo, "Little Worm: A Story about Worry" by licensed marriage and family therapist and a registered play therapist, Laura Ann Elpers Pierce deftly models how to handle worry and anxiety when things don't turn out the way we expect. Children will delight in joining Little Worm as he learns how to readjust his plans and work through his anxiety! Thoroughly 'kid friendly' and entertaining in tone, content, and presentation, "Little Worm: A Story about Worry" is very highly recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library collections.

The Midwest Book Review has been reviewing books 1976, and it's an honor to have been included in their publications this month!

For many other reviews, you can log into your Amazon account and scroll through the numerous supporters who have left their thoughts and love for Little Worm.

If you have thoughts about Little Worm that you would like to share, email me at feelingfriendsbooks@gmail.com. 

In honor of National Play Therapy Week, take a minute to watch Andrew as he helps grown ups learn a little more about children! 

I recently came across an article, "What Anxious and Angry Kids Need To Know About Their Brain," that gives an excellent explanation of how to talk about the brain with children.

Author of the article, Nicole Schwarz, opens by saying, "Big feelings like anger, frustration, jealousy, anxiety, sadness, and stress can be overwhelming to kids. Without warning, their body is flooded with physical sensations – racing heart, tense muscles, sweat, tingling fingers....One way to empower your child (and to reassure them that they are totally normal), is to teach them about the brain." 

I couldn't agree more! One thing I love to do in session with children is teach them different aspects of the brain and how it works. This understanding really helps children in challenging moments! It also helps parents and caregivers by having another strategy to remember when a child is having a hard time managing a big emotion. Take a moment to read the article and see how you and your child can learn more about the brain together!

I recently discovered a podcast called "Preschool and Beyond" and have really enjoyed catching up on episodes and exploring the different topics presented. The podcast is presented by Discovery Child Development Center and as stated on their website, their goal "is to answer common questions that arise during the preschool years, and provide helpful tips and ideas on how to engage with your preschool children." Sharing their perspectives in the podcast are varying professionals, including  teachers, researchers, and other early childhood experts. Today, as I drove into work, I caught up on Episode 22: The Anxious Child. As I listened, I found myself nodding as Dr. Kristin Olson shared information about anxiety and children. So much of what she offered to listeners in the podcast matches exactly what I share with parents in my office every day. Professionals agree: anxiety is real for children and their parents can play a huge role in helping them learn to manage and understand worry! If you're interested, take a listen for yourself. I think you'll find the perspective helpful and relevant. You'll hear why reading Little Worm: A Story About Worry with your child can be useful! The podcast is fairly short and an easy listen! Just another resource for caregivers interested in finding the best ways to support children! Enjoy!

Are you curious about Play Therapy? Visit the Association for Play Therapy website to read a detailed description about what you may expect the process to be like!