What to Do When You Grumble Too Much: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming Negativity

Children's Literature - Meredith Kiger

This interesting workbook is one of two "What to Do" guides to help children work through negative behaviors and practice new ways of responding to stresses in life. Designed to be used with an adult—a parent, preferably—it begins by explaining to adults how some children react differently to life's stressors and how they can help to change a child's reaction, simply through practice. The book's 12 short chapters are interactive and progress from defining grumbling to recognizing it in oneself to offering alternatives. Illustrated with cartoon-like drawings, the book offers plenty of exercises to engage the child and uses an understanding tone that is all positive reinforcement. The suggestions and activities are ones that can be revisited when necessary. For more serious issues, the author suggests that the book be used in conjunction with professional counseling. Reviewer: Meredith Kiger, Ph.D.