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I'm looking for childrens book recommendations for an 8/9yo who has started to show signs of anxiety, especially around school social groups and school achievement, and is consequently having trouble falling asleep at night (they're absolutely fine the next morning though?). We're already talking about it, they are journalling and we've tried meditation/breathing/listening to music practices, but this kid is a voracious reader and I think a factual-style book on what's going on in their brain (at a 8-11 reading level) would be useful. [more inside]
posted by atlantica on Jan 13, 2025 - 5 answers

I am looking for a specific article that I believe I originally saw posted on Metafilter, talking about treatment for anxiety & depression in children. The high level was that research had showed that parental coaching for the parent was actually more effective than therapy for the child. [more inside]
posted by pineapplerunner on Apr 28, 2023 - 2 answers

My kids, 6 & 8, are experiencing some big emotions at the moment and I'm really trying to level up my parenting game. My first stop is usually to read a book, but I am particularly overwhelmed by the sheer number of options out there and already have so little time. I'm really curious to know if there was ONE specific parenting book that you can point to which you found actually changed your approach or gave you some workable tools that you could recommend! [more inside]
posted by sxtrumpeto on Mar 1, 2023 - 14 answers

My 5 year old just started school but is refusing to use the classroom potty and instead pees in his clothes. His teacher has tried all the in-classroom techniques they can think of, it seems. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Dec 17, 2021 - 22 answers

Our 7-year old has been diagnosed with anxiety, ADHD, an a math-related learning disability, and some related issues by a private psychologist. We have some external resources lined up, but I could really use some help parenting. [more inside]
posted by myaskme on Sep 7, 2021 - 13 answers

How can you tell when the natural end of a therapy relationship has been reached? How much ongoing maintenance is needed? What does that look like? Snowflake: young child. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 3, 2017 - 6 answers

My son (8) struggles with anxiety (separation and generalized) and negative thinking/depression. How do you know when it is time to start treating it with medication? [more inside]
posted by a22lamia on Jan 11, 2016 - 25 answers

How do parents with anxiety protect their children from their own worries and fears? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Oct 11, 2015 - 9 answers

I'm good at doing my best and resting easy when I'm alone with my kids, but I get very anxious about them in social situations. My 5 year old son is strong willed, very physical, and likes to make people laugh. It's a rough combination--all three of those traits produce behaviors that have the potential to offend people and/or be against the rules. Any tips for dealing with this kind of anxiety? [more inside]
posted by tk on Sep 14, 2015 - 11 answers

Our adopted child has a crazy need for control and we're worried about how it will impact their socialization in school. [more inside]
posted by bitteroldman on Jul 27, 2015 - 23 answers

Is this normal? I often have anxiety about my kids. I need perspective. [more inside]
posted by Fairchild on May 9, 2015 - 14 answers

At least once a week, when they are in public, my partner finds herself vividly anticipating that the person walking towards her will lunge at and stab her son. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Mar 29, 2015 - 25 answers

What are good strategies for helping an anxious first or second grader deal with their anxiety.
posted by drezdn on Mar 7, 2015 - 11 answers

My overthinking things was making me unhappy... so I cut way back on it, and now I'm enjoying life more. Yay! But now I'm way less tolerant of the same behavior in family and loved ones; trying to ignore it leads to awkward, anxiety-producing silences. Boo. Insert your advice here. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Oct 9, 2014 - 6 answers

My 4 year old son has recently upped his anxiety related behaviors, and I'm not sure whether this is a common occurrence for this age, or whether we need to start changing things to help him out. [more inside]
posted by katers890 on Oct 7, 2013 - 10 answers

I'm looking for advice for helping my 5 year old (new kindergartener) daughter deal with what looks like nascent perfectionist tendencies. [more inside]
posted by gaspode on Sep 10, 2013 - 35 answers

A friend of mine refuses to address his anxiety issues. I don't want to lose him as a friend, but also don't know how much more I can take. Please help. [more inside]
posted by stedman15 on May 28, 2013 - 15 answers

Wife is pregnant with 3rd while we're considering adoption. I'm freaking out. What's wrong with me? [more inside]
posted by melancholy_okie on Apr 27, 2012 - 19 answers

Do I need to calm down A LOT, or is it okay to yell until I'm hoarse in the hopes of keeping them safe when my little kids create such out-of-control craziness? [more inside]
posted by minx on Sep 18, 2011 - 44 answers

Help me out with some recently erupting separation anxiety in my five year old kindergartering daughter. [more inside]
posted by RajahKing on Mar 15, 2011 - 23 answers

Starting self-destruction young: What methods are best to re-direct problem behavior in a self-harming five year old? [more inside]
posted by grapefruitmoon on May 24, 2010 - 24 answers

How can I maintain some optimism about my child's future, given the crappy crappy world we live in? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Feb 24, 2010 - 43 answers

Parenting techniques, insight, and maturity needed before I completely ruin my kid's life. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 8, 2009 - 33 answers

My wife's battled depression for a while, and though she rallied and had a decent few months, she plunged back into the depths of it for the few weeks around her recent birthday (which seems to happen every year, but this year was the worst yet). She had us cancel any birthday plans, cake, etc -- didn't even want anybody to say "happy birthday". After asking a few times and receiving this same answer, I went along with it; it was her birthday, after all. Her mood has lifted since then, but she still doesn't want her presents -- says to return everything, and shuts down when I bring up the subject. Fine, I can return them, except for one, a custom order meant as a present from our four-year-old (call her "Olivia"): a set of coasters printed with Olivia's scanned artwork. What do I do with them? [more inside]
posted by UtterlyDrained on Aug 11, 2008 - 63 answers

I have two toddlers and a wife with severe postpartum depression that went untreated for two years, all of whom I love very much. However, I think I'm starting to crack, and am not thrilled about my children potentially having two emotionally unstable parents. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on May 21, 2008 - 29 answers

My 6 year old needs to have a tooth extracted for medical reasons tommorrow. Any tips/advice that my wife and I can use to ease the anxiety pre-pull? [more inside]
posted by jeremias on Apr 11, 2008 - 27 answers

Is it right to divorce a depressed spouse? [more inside]
posted by UtterlyDrained on Dec 4, 2007 - 59 answers