The Worried Child: Recognizing Anxiety in Children and Helping Them Heal

"Psychologist Foxman has penned a caring yet straightforward book about helping kids deal with feelings of angst. Noting that one in five children suffers from a mental health problem, Foxman says some experts call today's children the ""shell-shocked"" generation. Divorce, crime, violence, failing schools, the threat of terrorism and drug abuse are a few of the contemporary issues often magnified for kids by vivid media coverage, and they've contributed to the rise of stress and anxiety among children, says Foxman. The author melds personal and professional experience as he differentiates between normal and abnormal worrying. According to Foxman, three factors coincide to create an anxious child: biological sensitivity, personality and stress. Children who are perfectionists, who are overly sensitive to criticism and have difficulty with assertiveness, among other traits, are prone to anxiety, though many of the worried child's personality traits, such as intelligence and a strong sense of responsibility, are positive. In addition to global issues such as war, terrorism and violence, Foxman delves into how personal crises can affect children, and suggests how parents can help and when they should seek therapy for their child."