As a therapist who specializes in treating children, I’ve witnessed common struggles over the years- anxiety related to academic pressures as well as the loss of a loved one, to name a few.
Through the book series, “Maya’s Big Feelings”, I wanted to write stories that validate, normalize and support children and their caregivers as they learn to identify, express and cope with the emotions that come up as a result of living a full life.
Maya’s Big Feelings: Stressed for the Test
Maya is a yellow labrador retriever that is struggling with some big feelings. The morning before a big math test, Maya's Mama notices that Maya is feeling stressed. Maya's Mama then encourages Maya to talk back to the negative self-talk that is making Maya feel so stressed and teaches Maya how to use deep breathing to calm her body down before the test starts. After Maya learns these tools and feels seen and heard by her Mama, Maya feels more confident and knows how to manage her anxiety related to test taking.
A note for grown-ups teaches adults how to help their child identify, express and cope with their emotions. The author also includes information on how to access her parenting podcast "Little Ones/Big Feelings with Amy Dickerson".
Maya’s Big Feelings: Sad Granny is Gone
Maya is a yellow labrador retriever that is struggling with some big feelings. When Maya returns home from school one afternoon, she notices that her Granny is not there. She learns that while she was at school, her Granny died. As Maya expresses denial, anger and sadness related to this loss, Maya’s Mama teaches her about grief and how to cope with it.
A note for grown-ups teaches adults how to help their child identify, express and cope with their emotions. The author also includes information on how to access her parenting podcast "Little Ones/Big Feelings with Amy Dickerson".