Due to our current world situation, we’re finding that many children are:
- having too much screen time
- getting too little playtime outdoors
- not engaging in enough social interaction
- missing their school life
- not moving their bodies enough
As a result, we are hearing from our community that children are feeling anxious, stressed, worried, angry, fearful, isolated, and unmotivated. The behaviors are showing up as meltdowns, temper tantrums, and impulsive outbursts.
The thing is, our children had all of these big emotions before we went into quarantine. Helping children to regulate their emotions and express their feelings is not new (however right now their intense feelings are indeed magnified). We’ve all been working hard to teach children coping strategies and calming techniques for years.
Today, I would love to share with you some books by the award-winning author Julia Cook. As a guidance counselor, Julia has been writing children’s books for fifteen years to help children develop their social-emotional wellbeing. She has a unique way of giving the children the “way to say” and the “how to say it” when dealing with tricky social situations.
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Learn about your emotions and managing emotions through children’s books
Below, you’ll find eight books by Julia Cook, and each provides a valuable lesson on how to manage our big emotions.
Wilma Jean – The Worry Machine
by Julia Cook and Anita DuFalla
Join Wilma Jean to learn some ways to tackle anxiety and worry–including making a list of what you can control and what you can’t control.
Don’t be Afraid to Drop!
by Julia Cook and Anita DuFalla
Learn from the raindrop boy about the benefits of dealing with change–by cultivating courage, believing in yourself, and sharing your gifts.
Soda Pop Head
by Julia Cook and Allison Valentine
Discover how Lester learns how to control his anger–by taking a few deep breaths, finding a quiet place to calm down, eating healthy foods, and getting lots of sleep.
I Just Don’t Like the Sound of No! My Story About Accepting No for an Answer and Disagreeing the Right Way! (Best Me I Can Be)
by Julia Cook and Kelsey De Weerd
Read how RJ learns how to accept no for an answer in an expected way–by saying “Okay,” staying calm, and asking why later.
The Technology Tail: A Digital Footprint Story (Communicate with Confidence)
by Julia Cook and Anita DuFalla
Learn about your “technology tail”—that can either be full of gifts when you post something kind or full of scratches when you post something mean. It’s important to always be kind online.
I’m Stretched
by Julia Cook and Stephanie Dehennin
Discover how to reduce your stress–by practicing mindful breathing, getting plenty of rest, taking some down time, expressing your feelings, meditating, and going outside in nature.
Be Where Your Feet Are!
by Julia Cook and Jon Davis
Read about the importance of living in the present moment, taking deep breaths, and enjoying your life right in front of you. Instead of constantly multitasking, try being where your feet are.
Bubble Gum Brain
by Julia Cook and Allison Valentine
Meet two very different characters—one with a bubble gum brain (growth mindset) and the other with a rock brain (fixed mindset)—to learn the benefits of having a positive mindset to live an abundant life with hope and optimism.
What other books would you recommend to teach children about managing their emotions? Tell us in the comments below!
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