What to Do When You Feel Too Shy: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming Social Anxiety - Paperback

by Claire A. B. Freeland (Author), Jacqueline B. Toner (Author), Janet McDonnell (Illustrator)

Can kids feel confident in social situations? Yes--and this workbook helps them speak up and shine!

NAPPA Award Winner and finalist in the Foreword INDIES Book Awards

Meeting new people, speaking in class, or joining group activities can feel intimidating. For kids who struggle with shyness or social anxiety, even everyday interactions can be overwhelming. But with the right tools, kids can learn to manage those feelings and build the confidence to connect.

What to Do When You Feel Too Shy is an interactive guide that helps kids understand social anxiety and develop skills to feel more comfortable in social settings. Through engaging activities, colorful illustrations, and expert strategies, this workbook empowers kids to express themselves, make friends, and feel proud of who they are.

Whether your child is hesitant to speak up or worried about fitting in, this book offers a safe space to explore those feelings--and build the courage to connect with confidence.

Key Features:

• Perfect for kids ages 6-12 who feel nervous in social situations or struggle with shyness
• Uses proven cognitive-behavioral techniques to help kids manage anxiety and build social confidence
• Encourages self-expression and connection through fun, hands-on exercises
• Helps kids recognize anxious thoughts, practice coping skills, and celebrate small wins
• Includes a supportive guide for parents and caregivers to help kids thrive socially
• Part of the trusted What-to-Do Guides for Kids series--used by parents, educators, and therapists for more than 20 years
• Created by Magination Press, the children's imprint of the American Psychological Association--leaders in children's mental health and well-being

Author Biography

Claire A. B. Freeland, PhD, is a clinical psychologist in private practice, working for more than thirty-five years with youth and their families. Interested in bringing the general principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy to families everywhere, she is the co-author of What to Do When It's Not Fair, What to Do When Mistakes Make You Quake, and What to Do When You Feel Too Shy. She lives with her husband in Baltimore.

Jacqueline B. Toner, PhD, is the co-author of several self-help books. She has been in private practice working with children, teens, and families for over thirty years. Dr. Toner earned her PhD from the University of Virginia and completed two post-doctoral programs (in pediatric psychology and adolescent medicine) at the University of Maryland Medical School. Dr. Toner also serves as lead facilitator and consultant on a project on medical ethics led by Johns Hopkins Hospital and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. She is the mother of three grown children and lives with her husband in Baltimore. Janet McDonnell's illustrations combine traditional media and digital techniques. In addition to illustrating books, magazines, and puzzles, Janet has both taught and written for children from preschool to high school ages. She is the illustrator of numerous books for children including Bye Bye Pesky Fly, What to Do When You Don't Want to Be Apart, and Blossom Plays Possum​.