What to Do When Fear Interferes

Can kids learn to face their fears? Absolutely—and this workbook helps them do it step by step! 

Lots of kids feel nervous about things like spiders, heights, or loud noises. But when fear starts getting in the way of everyday fun, it’s time to take action—and this book is here to help.  

What to Do When Fear Interferes is a friendly, interactive guide that helps kids understand their fears and build the confidence to face them. With engaging activities, colorful illustrations, and expert strategies, this workbook helps kids face their fears with confidence and courage. 

Whether your child is afraid of the dark, dogs, or something else entirely, this book offers a safe space to explore those feelings and discover how brave they really are. 

Key features: 

• written for kids ages 6–12 who struggle with phobias or overwhelming fears 
• step-by-step tools based on cognitive-behavioral therapy to help kids manage anxiety 
• encourages emotional awareness and builds resilience through creative exercises 
• helps kids identify triggers, challenge scary thoughts, and take brave steps forward 
• part of the trusted What-to-Do Guides for Kids series—used by parents, educators, and therapists for over 20 years 
• includes a supportive guide for parents and caregivers to help kids succeed 
• created by Magination Press, the children’s imprint of APA—trusted experts in children’s mental health and well-being 

Claire A. B. Freeland, PhD, and Jacqueline B. Toner, PhD, are clinical psychologists in Baltimore, Maryland with more than 30 years each in private practice working with children and parents. They are the authors of several self-help books for young people.

Janet McDonnell is a writer and illustrator living outside of Chicago, Illinois. Her characters populate many books and magazines for children.

The straight forward approach in this book helps children identify their triggers, false beliefs and how to face the fear those beliefs cause.
—Oregon Coast Youth Book Preview Center

This is a thorough guide for young readers to take them through tackling their fears. The book is very action oriented with instructions, examples, and then space for the kids to fill out their own thoughts.
—Kiss the Book Jr.

Recommended for libraries that carry other books in the series and those looking to add to their parent-teacher or tough topics sections.
—School Library Journal