This Thing Has A Name is a children's book, for all ages, demystifying childhood anxiety. The book demonstrates that feelings can pop-up uninvited and may bring along fear, rage, or confusion - and sometimes make our bodies feel icky. This book walks children and their Loved Ones through the ups and downs of emotions, and to welcome them rather than avoid them. It also describes ways to help recognize those big uncomfortable feelings and help normalize them. There are tools for helping children cope with these emotions by finding safety within themselves and with their Loved Ones.
About the Author :
Amanda Bacon-Davis is a successful businesswoman, entrepreneur, and a proud advocate for supporting the mental health community. She has a beautiful daughter, Ella Rain, two amazing bonus kids (who are actually wonderful adults), and the most loving husband in the world. Amanda and her family live on the Seacoast of New Hampshire with their and two dogs, Dog-Dog (featured in the book) and Halo. When she is not writing, Amanda's favorite thing to do is belly-laugh with her family.
Review :
Let's face it, we live in a world with a lot to worry about. Our children are experiencing anxiety and depression at record levels. It's up to us to reach them early so that they can understand the power they have towards effectively managing their mental health. Amanda has synthesized an illustrated children's book born out of a mother's love that hits at the heart of defeating anxiety: "Don't run", "feelings come and go" and "keep working". I highly endorse this book for any family attempting to assist a child with anxiety. A must addition to any child's bookshelf.
-Dennis Walker, MSW, LICSW, Vice President of Clinical Operations, Emergency Services and Intake at Seacoast Mental Health Center, Inc.
"This Thing Has A Name is a beautifully written depiction of the complexity of human emotions. Perhaps the greatest gift we can give our children is to develop resiliency skills, and Amanda captures this in her book perfectly. She encourages children to work through their emotions, rather than to avoid anxiety, sadness, or other uncomfortable feelings, and it is in these moments that our children learn to overcome challenges and develop a strong self-esteem and build their self-confidence. Kudos to Amanda for writing a book that lets kids know it is okay to not be okay, and to feel all of their complex feelings."
- Laura C. Wheeler, M.Ed
As a mother of a child that struggles with anxiety, I look at This Thing Has A Name as a love note. It is a beautiful reminder that no one has to struggle alone and that there will always be a safe place to fall back to, after a hard day or night. The rhythmic word flow paired with the colorful and playful illustrations make something so internal and personal, easily shareable between a child and adult. This is definitely a story I will be reading with my children over and over again.
- Meredith Lemont, Mother of 3
