Anxious Children in an Anxious World: Facing Fears and Finding Brave

Sometimes our job is to protect our children from the rain,
To be the umbrella providing shelter.
But, more often, our job is to remind them
That they are brave enough to withstand stormy weather.

Anxious Children in an Anxious World: Facing Fears and Finding Brave is the support parents have been looking for. This book guides parents in calming the storm of anxiety that floods so many children and teens today. Dr Mary O’Kane, lecturer in psychology and education, deconstructs lessons from psychology and research in a straightforward and supportive manner, outlining the symptoms and causes of childhood anxiety. She presents easy-to-implement self-regulation tools for children to help them respond when anxiety kicks in.

Anxious Children in an Anxious World contains practical advice for parents to gently push their children’s limits, build confidence, and find the courage to face their fears, while also providing insight into the important role adults play in helping children to flourish.

Anxious Children in an Anxious World provides evidence-based strategies needed to support children to push through their fears and find their inner strength. It is an invaluable resource for parents, carers, and educators looking to cultivate the resilience our children and teens need to thrive in this anxious world.

This is a wonderfully comprehensive book about dealing with childhood anxiety, rooted in science but accessible to every parent. With lots of compassionate insight into the mistakes we parents can also make, it will give parents the confidence to respond effectively to the anxieties their children experience. Dr David Coleman, Clinical Psychologist

Warm, inviting, easy to read, packed full of practical tips and relevant research, this book is a must-read for anyone who wants to support an anxious child and help them find their brave. Niamh Fitzpatrick, Psychologist & Author

Dr Mary O'Kane is a Lecturer in Psychology and Early Childhood Studies at the Open University. Her research interests include childhood transitions, self-esteem and wellbeing, and the value of play. She is an expert contributor to the Anton Savage Show on Newstalk radio discussing a broad range of parenting and childhood issues while also responding to viewers' parenting queries. She is also a regular contributor to various other national and local media outlets. Her first book 'Perfectly Imperfect Parenting: Connection Not Perfection' was published in April 2021, and received an Honorary Mention in the Eric Hofer Book Awards. She gives public talks and online Webinars for parents and educators on a range of topics related to child wellbeing, parenting, and education. Her latest book, published in 2024, is 'Anxious Children in an Anxious World: Facing Fear and Finding Brave'.