Book Recommendation If Your Child Is Worrying A Lot

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

It's an oldie but goodie (published 2013), so heads up—it predates the screen-takeover of our kids' lives. But the core stuff? Still gold.

I listened to the audiobook and loved it.

Here's what I appreciate most: Cohen reminds us that play and silliness aren't luxuries we get to enjoy after the divorce is finalized. They're tools we can use *right now* to help anxious kids process big feelings.

In the thick of it, when everything feels heavy and your kid is carrying worries about transitions and change, a silly voice or a spontaneous dance party or a ridiculous game might be exactly what helps them breathe again.

Get ready to dance embarrassingly, wrestle and get pinned by a 3-year-old, sing off-key to K-pop Demon Hunters, and unleash your improv skills showing how scary pickles can be.

The playful approach isn't about pretending everything's fine. It's about creating moments of connection and lightness alongside the hard stuff. Cohen shows you how to use humor and play to help kids work through anxiety instead of telling them there's nothing to worry about (which, let's be honest, usually makes things worse).

Your kid doesn't need you to have all the answers. They need you to show up with curiosity, connection, and maybe a willingness to be a little ridiculous together.

This book gives you permission to bring play back into the picture.

Happy reading!

P.S. This approach works for any kid, not just the ones showing a lot of anxiety. Play and connection help all kids process the big changes that come with divorce. Bonus: you get to feel good doing all this too.