The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook for Kids: Help for Children to Cope with Stress, Anxiety, and Transitions

Children pay close attention to their parents' moods. When parents feel upset, their kids may become anxious, and when parents wind down, children also get the chance to relax. When you feel overwhelmed and stressed, it can be hard to help your child feel balanced. The Relaxation & Stress Reduction Workbook for Kids, written by two child therapists, offers more than fifty activities you can do together as a family to help you and your child replace stressful and anxious feelings with feelings of optimism, confidence, and joy.

You'll learn proven relaxation techniques, including deep breathing, guided imagery, mindfulness, and yoga, and then receive guidance for teaching them to your child. Your child will also discover how taking time to do art and creative projects can create a sense of fulfillment and calm. By completing just one ten-minute activity from this workbook each day, you'll make relaxation a family habit that will stay with both you and your child for a lifetime.

Lawrence E. Shapiro, PhD, is a renowned and internationally recognized child psychologist known for his innovative play-oriented techniques. He has invented more than seventy-five therapeutic games used by therapists around the world, and is creator of the Instant Help series for kids. He has written more than sixty books for children, teens, parents, and mental health professionals. Together, his books have sold nearly half a million copies worldwide, and have been translated into twenty-eight languages.

Robin K. Sprague, LCPC, is a licensed clinical professional counselor in Bangor, ME. She holds a master's degree from Boston College. For over twenty years, she has worked in the field of human services. Her specialty is helping children successfully transition through difficult life challenges in order to prevent future psychological problems, especially anxiety disorders. A highly creative person herself, Sprague enjoys painting, writing, and laughing out loud.

Matthew McKay, PhD, is a professor at the Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA. He is coauthor of The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook, The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook, Thoughts and Feelings, When Anger Hurts, and others. His books combined have sold more than five million copies. He received his PhD in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology. In private practice, he specializes in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety. He lives and works in the greater San Francisco Bay Area.