Dr Mary O’Kane is a Lecturer in Psychology and Early Childhood Education teaching with the Open University. She is a regular contributor to Ireland AM on both parenting and early childhood education issues. She gives public talks on a range of topics related to child wellbeing, parenting, and education. She has written a book - Anxious Children in an Anxious World which may be of interest to some parents.
Sometimes our job is to protect our children from the rain,
To be the umbrella providing shelter.
But, more often, our job is to remind them
That they are brave enough to withstand stormy weather.
Anxious Children in an Anxious World: Facing Fears and Finding Brave is the support parents have been looking for. This book guides parents in calming the storm of anxiety that floods so many children and teens today. Mary deconstructs lessons from psychology and research in a straightforward and supportive manner, outlining the symptoms and causes of childhood anxiety. She presents easy-to-implement self-regulation tools for children to help them respond when anxiety kicks in. Anxious Children in an Anxious World contains practical advice for parents to gently push their children’s limits, build confidence, and find the courage to face their fears, while also providing insight into the important role adults play in helping children to flourish.
Anxious Children in an Anxious World provides evidence-based strategies needed to support children to push through their fears and find their inner strength. It is an invaluable resource for parents, carers, and educators looking to cultivate the resilience our children and teens need to thrive in this anxious world.
