May 23, 2023 marked the release of my first book. I am excited to give readers a little peek behind the curtain and share about how this book came to be, what it’s about and how it might be helpful for Christian kids and their families.
What is the story behind “More Than a Conqueror”?
About 12 years ago, I started working on a worry workbook for kids. At the time, I was a stay-at-home mom, running Cornerstones for Parents and giving the occasional parenting talk. Through this work, I started to hear about the increase in anxiety among children. Kids were anxious about school, friends, the future. My kids had their own anxieties. I knew they needed tools and resources and when I tried to find them, there were none that addressed anxiety from a Biblical perspective. So the dream began. And then it sort of fizzled…
It wasn’t until 2020, when the pandemic hit, that the Lord started to bring the workbook back into my mind. Anxiety was on the rise, kids were struggling. I knew it was time to dust it off and bring it to life. I am thankful that Ambassador International took a gamble on an unpublished author and took on this project.
Who is the book for?
This workbook was written to Christian kids between the ages of 8 and 12 (there is a lot of developmental differences in this age span, but I believe that parents and kids will be able to adapt the skills and information included to make it useful for those even younger than this age range). The workbook is intended for caregivers and kids to work on together. Anxiety has a way of shrinking your world and making you feel very alone. I wanted this workbook to be collaborative in a way that helped kids be seen and known by the people who love them best. My prayer is that though the workbook, they will learn more about themselves, their God, and how they can fill their toolbelt with resources and tips to help them in their struggles with anxiety.
What will we find inside?
There are psychoeducational components to this book – what anxiety is, why we have it and how it can take over. There are also 10 battles that are based on CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) interventions that weave in Scripture and the truths of God. Kids will learn how to notice their worry body signals, how to calm their bodies, how to examine their thoughts, and how to take care of themselves in a way that supports good mental health. The battles include activities like learning a breath prayer, creating a thankful tree, and even a guide for systematic desensitization for kids who avoid anxiety provoking situations. It is interactive and the “battles” build on one another as the child works their way through the book.
As a parent, what do I need to know?
While this book does contain interventions that a therapist might use, it is not intended to be a substitute for therapy. I am fully aware that there is a shortage of therapists nationwide who work with children. You may know that your child needs help, but have found yourself on a waiting list. This book can help bridge that gap and give your child some tools and resources to help them in the meantime.
As stated above, this book is really intended to be done collaboratively. Connection is at the very heart of healing. Your child needs you on their side to navigate these tough times. By working though the book together, you can adopt some of the language to use in everyday life as well as implement some of the strategies yourself as a way of modeling and encouraging your child.
Final thoughts
My prayer is that you and your child will find this workbook to be the start of something new – a new understanding of anxiety, a shift in your family around your anxious child, and renewed hope for healing and change.
I would be happy to answer any questions you might have! Please feel free to contact me!
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