What to Do When It's Not Fair: A Kid's Guide to Handling Envy and Jealousy

Is life feeling unfair? This workbook helps kids turn envy into empowerment!

Winner of a Gold Medal, Mom's Choice Awards

Sometimes it feels like everyone else has more―more toys, more fun, more everything. When those “it’s not fair!” feelings bubble up, it can be hard to know what to do. But kids don’t have to stay stuck in jealousy. They can learn to shift their focus and feel better about themselves―and this book shows them how.

What to Do When It’s Not Fair is a playful, practical guide that helps kids understand envy and jealousy, and gives them tools to manage those tricky emotions. With engaging activities, colorful illustrations, and expert strategies, this interactive workbook helps kids build self-awareness, gratitude, and confidence.

Whether your child feels left out, frustrated, or just stuck in the “it’s not fair” mindset, this book offers a compassionate and creative path toward feeling better―and seeing the good in themselves and others.

Key Features:

• Empowers kids ages 6–12 to recognize and manage feelings of envy and jealousy
• Uses proven cognitive-behavioral techniques to help kids reframe thoughts and build emotional resilience
• Encourages self-esteem and gratitude through fun, hands-on exercises
• Part of the trusted What-to-Do Guides for Kids series―used by parents, educators, and therapists for more than 20 years
• Includes a supportive guide for parents and caregivers to help kids navigate tough emotions
• Created by Magination Press, the children’s imprint of the American Psychological Association―trusted leaders in children’s mental health and well-being

Jacqueline B. Toner, PhD, is the author of multiple award-winning books for kids and teens which focus on topics in psychology. Prior to her writing career, she spent thirty-five years as a clinical child and family psychologist and served as chief facilitator for a medical resources project with Johns Hopkins School of Public Health and Carnegie Mellon University.

Claire A. B. Freeland, PhD, is a clinical psychologist, working for more than thirty-five years with youth and their families. She is interested in bringing the general principles of cognitive–behavioral therapy to families everywhere.

David Thompson is a third-generation artist living in Baltimore, Maryland.