Anxious children in an anxious world: A parents guide to calming the storm of anxiety

In Ireland, it is reported that by the age of thirteen, 1 in 3 children will have experienced some form of mental health difficulty, like anxiety.

With anxiety high on the list of most common issues, a new book hitting the shelves in Ireland aims to help parents navigate the complexities of mental health.

Anxious Children in an Anxious World, by Dr. Mary O’Kane "guides parents in calming the storm of anxiety that floods so many children and teens". 

Mary has compiled easy-to-implement self-regulation tools for children to help them have the tools to respond when anxiety kicks in. 

The book contains practical advice for parents to gently push their children’s limits, build confidence, and find the courage to face their fears.

It also provides insight into the important role adults play in helping children to flourish. 

The goal is not to rid our children of anxiety completely. In fact, that is not possible. Instead, this book will introduce you to ways your child can learn to live with their fearful thoughts and find healthy ways to cope so that anxiety does not become an overwhelming force in their lives.

Dr Mary O'Kane

This book will introduce you to ways your child can learn to live with their fearful thoughts and find healthy ways to cope so that anxiety does not become an overwhelming force in their lives.

Anxious Children in an Anxious World is already causing a stir. Mary has been praised for her ‘no-nonsense and empathetic style’ by broadcaster Karen Koster and her ‘infectious positivity’ by broadcaster Anton Savage. 

Robust scientific research is delivered in Mary’s trademark manner; broken down into digestible points and actions, so parents, guardians and teachers can apply and see results quickly. 

It's an "indispensable toolkit" for parents, according to broadcaster and former Irish rugby international Tommy Bowe. Meanwhile, psychologist, Dr David Coleman, commended Dr. O'Kane's work as a "wonderfully comprehensive book, rooted in science but accessible to every parent".

Mary’s message isn’t simply how to help children brave the maelstrom of life, but rather how to help them help themselves. She offers guidance on how we can empower our children; give them the tools and means so they can overcome their own anxiety. 

When it rains, don’t just hold an umbrella over your children, give them a pair of wellies and all the love, encouragement and support they need to brave the elements themselves.

Irish parents will be familiar with Mary’s voice and face from radio and television, including both the Anton Savage show on Newstalk and Alison Curtis show on Today FM, and from speaking to Tommy Bowe and Karen Koster on the Ireland AM sofa. 

Over the years, Mary has become an indispensable source of wisdom for parents and guardians, in an age where our children face both unprecedented challenges and opportunities. 

A lecturer at the Open University and popular keynote speaker, she draws from the best available scientific research, but it is her direct, no-nonsense style that has won her fans up and down the country.

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