Books for Parents, Educators and Counselors about Anxiety in Children

Anxiety isn’t just something adults struggle with anymore. It’s becoming increasingly common among children and teens, too. As educators, parents, and mental health professionals, we’re seeing more students with racing thoughts, overwhelmed emotions, and frequent worry that interferes with learning, relationships, and daily life. It can be heartbreaking to watch a child feel stuck in anxiety, and even harder to know how to help.

Fortunately, there are powerful resources available to help us understand what’s going on in a child’s brain and how to support them in healthier, research-based ways. Whether you're a school counselor creating a calm corner, a parent navigating bedtime worries, or a teacher managing classroom anxiety, these books are valuable tools. I’ve personally found these titles incredibly insightful, and I think you will too.

And for more resources on anxiety, be sure to check out these blog posts.

The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson

This groundbreaking book explains how a child’s brain is wired and how it develops, offering practical strategies to promote emotional regulation and resilience. The authors break down neuroscience in a digestible, relatable way, perfect for busy parents and educators. You'll learn how to respond to emotional outbursts, reduce meltdowns, and encourage better self-awareness in children, all while strengthening your relationship with them.

• Best For: Parents, educators, counselors

  
  

• Bonus: Includes illustrations and real-world examples you can apply immediately

The Opposite of Worry: The Playful Parenting Approach to Childhood Anxieties and Fears by Lawrence J. Cohen

Instead of approaching anxiety with a “fix-it” mindset, this book uses play and humor to diffuse fear. Cohen argues that connection and creativity are powerful tools for helping anxious children feel safe and understood. If you’ve ever tried to reason with a panicked child and hit a wall, this book offers a refreshing alternative.

• Best For: Parents of young children, therapists, play-based educators

  
  

• Especially Helpful: For tackling bedtime fears, separation anxiety, and social stress

Anxious Kids, Anxious Parents: 7 Ways to Stop the Worry Cycle and Raise Courageous & Independent Children by Reid Wilson and Lynn Lyons

This book goes beyond child-focused strategies and zeroes in on family patterns of anxiety. It’s a game-changer for adults who realize their own worry might be fueling their child’s. The authors offer clear, structured ways to interrupt anxious habits in both the child and the caregiver so everyone can build more confident coping mechanisms.

• Best For: Families, counselors, parent support groups

  
  

• Key Takeaway: The “Worry Cycle” affects everyone; it’s time to break it together

Helping Your Anxious Child: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents by Ronald Rapee

This highly structured, CBT-based guide walks parents through a program designed to reduce anxiety symptoms in children. With scripts, exercises, and worksheets, it's almost like having a therapist in your back pocket. The book addresses generalized anxiety, social anxiety, specific phobias, and separation anxiety.

• Best For: Parents ready for an action plan

  
  

• Bonus: Includes a downloadable workbook and real case examples

The Worried Child by Paul Foxman

This book offers a deep dive into where anxiety comes from biologically, emotionally, and socially. It’s especially useful for counselors and psychologists looking to understand the full picture of anxiety disorders in youth. Foxman also provides insight into how trauma, parenting styles, and academic stress can contribute to chronic worry.

• Best For: Counselors, therapists, educators

  
  

• Standout Feature: In-depth look at the different types of anxiety in children

Why Smart Kids Worry: And What Parents Can Do to Help by Allison Edwards

Gifted and high-achieving kids often carry a heavier mental load, and this book helps explain why. Edwards, a licensed therapist, explores the inner world of bright children and how their tendency to overthink and perfectionism can lead to heightened anxiety. It’s filled with relatable stories and practical strategies to help kids slow their thinking and stay grounded.

• Best For: Parents and teachers of gifted children

  
  

• Great For: Addressing school anxiety, fear of failure, and “what if” thinking

Whether you’re just starting to understand your child’s anxiety or you’ve been navigating it for years, these books offer clarity, compassion, and actionable solutions. The more we understand what’s going on beneath the surface, the more empowered we are to help children thrive emotionally, academically, and socially. Anxiety may be part of the story, but it doesn’t have to be the whole story.

If you’re looking for books specifically written for kids about anxiety like storybooks, activity guides, and mindfulness resources be sure to check out this blog post. I also have more resources on anxiety and freebies here.