What to Do When You Feel Too Shy - (What-To-Do Guides for Kids) by Claire A B Freeland & Jacqueline B Toner (Paperback)

About the Book

Children and their parents can work through the emotions underlying social anxiety using strategies and techniques based on cognitive-behavioral principles.

Book Synopsis

Can kids feel confident in social situations? Yes--and this workbook helps them speak up and shine!

Meeting new people, speaking in class, or joining group activities can feel intimidating. For kids who struggle with shyness or social anxiety, even everyday interactions can be overwhelming. But with the right tools, kids can learn to manage those feelings and build the confidence to connect.

What to Do When You Feel Too Shy is an interactive guide that helps kids understand social anxiety and develop skills to feel more comfortable in social settings. Through engaging activities, colorful illustrations, and expert strategies, this workbook empowers kids to express themselves, make friends, and feel proud of who they are.

Whether your child is hesitant to speak up or worried about fitting in, this book offers a safe space to explore those feelings--and build the courage to connect with confidence.

Key Features:

• Perfect for kids ages 6-12 who feel nervous in social situations or struggle with shyness
• Uses proven cognitive-behavioral techniques to help kids manage anxiety and build social confidence
• Encourages self-expression and connection through fun, hands-on exercises
• Helps kids recognize anxious thoughts, practice coping skills, and celebrate small wins
• Includes a supportive guide for parents and caregivers to help kids thrive socially
• Part of the trusted What-to-Do Guides for Kids series--used by parents, educators, and therapists for more than 20 years
• Created by Magination Press, the children's imprint of the American Psychological Association--leaders in children's mental health and well-being

Review Quotes

"I can apply some of these to my real life. For example, today I met a new friend at school. I tried to use some of the conversation skills from this book, like "ask questions" and "make comments." I also liked the section where you can get rid of worry thoughts by relaxing. Did you know that there are different ways to relax? You can move, make, connect, or chill! I think this will be a great book for any kid."--Susan Faith, age 9, Kid's Book Buzz

"A terrific self-help book for children at the elementary/middle school level. This very effective interactive book addresses adolescent fears of shyness and anxiety. Janet McDonnell created the black and white illustrations that are age-appropriate and friendly. These drawings help connect the reader to the text in a comfortable way."--Portland Book Review

"In clear language, the authors talk with children about their feelings of shyness, giving specific examples like not wanting to raise your hand in school or to go to a party. They encourage children to draw pictures of times they felt too shy; in another exercise, they are asked to identify how they feel in their body. There are checklists to work with and lists to make, such as confident thoughts to use. In one exercise, children are to list things or situations that make them anxious with the hardest thing at the top of a ladder and the least hard at the bottom. As they work their way up the ladder, the authors say reassuringly, they will discover that 'the steps further up start to look easier than they did at first.'"--Spirituality & Practice

About the Author

Claire A. B. Freeland, PhD, is a clinical psychologist in private practice, working for more than thirty-five years with youth and their families. Interested in bringing the general principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy to families everywhere, she is the co-author of What to Do When It's Not Fair, What to Do When Mistakes Make You Quake, and What to Do When You Feel Too Shy. She lives with her husband in Baltimore.

Jacqueline B. Toner, PhD, is the co-author of several self-help books. She has been in private practice working with children, teens, and families for over thirty years. Dr. Toner earned her PhD from the University of Virginia and completed two post-doctoral programs (in pediatric psychology and adolescent medicine) at the University of Maryland Medical School. Dr. Toner also serves as lead facilitator and consultant on a project on medical ethics led by Johns Hopkins Hospital and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. She is the mother of three grown children and lives with her husband in Baltimore. Janet McDonnell's illustrations combine traditional media and digital techniques. In addition to illustrating books, magazines, and puzzles, Janet has both taught and written for children from preschool to high school ages. She is the illustrator of numerous books for children including Bye Bye Pesky Fly, What to Do When You Don't Want to Be Apart, and Blossom Plays Possum​.