Zoe’s Hiding Place
Help for Anxious Children
Anxiety is a common struggle not only for adults but also for children. Anxious and fretful children can be a real cause for concern in parents as we hate to see our children struggling. However, rather than worry ourselves about our children, a far better attitude towards their struggles is to see them as teaching opportunities -chances to give them the tools they will need when they are young to enable them to deal with the future worries and concerns that we know are sure to come their way.
The late David Powlison, counselor and author, has written a very helpful book on this subject, and it is specifically written for young children (though I would add that my husband found it very helpful for himself as well!). The book is called ZOE’S HIDING PLACE, and it is the story of Zoe, the mouse who becomes anxious at the thought of an upcoming field trip. “What if I get lost?” What if I get separated from my class?” Adults will recognize the danger of those “what if” thoughts. Fortunately, Zoe shares her concerns with her mother, and she models for us how we can counsel our children as well as others (and ourselves!). Zoe’s mom does not dismiss Zoe’s fears but turns them into a conversation about Jesus and His love and care for His own.
Turn Your Fears into Prayers
TURN EACH FEAR INTO A PRAYER. HE WILL HELP YOU, is an example of one of the many helpful reminders that are found throughout the book. They are in large type, which makes them even easier to go back to, to use to refresh the reader’s mind. The book also comes with removable Scripture references that can easily be carried around. In fact, they are called “Back Pocket Bible Verses,” because they so easily fit into a pocket.
More to Come…
This book is just one in a series that CCEF (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation, of which Dr. Powlison was Executive Director until his passing in June of this year) has published to bring the truth of the gospel to bear on the problems families face. The series is called Good News for Little Hearts and is appropriately named, as the truth of the Word of God is the best news for any situation any family will face. The books are short, beautifully illustrated, and will make for engaging and heartwarming reading for children of almost any age.