Book Nook: This Will Pass

 It's time for little Crue's first big adventure with his Great Uncle Ollie, but he can't help but worry: What if the boat breaks? Or an octopus swallows them in one gulp? Or a family of whales takes over the boat?

It seems the worries will follow him around forever until Great Uncle Ollie squeezes his hand and shares his secret mantra: Be calm, it will pass.

 

Through storms . . . Be calm, it will pass

Passing sharks . . . Be calm, it will pass

 

Even through a pirate attack . . . Be calm, it will pass

 

Great Uncle Ollie's mantra keeps Crue afloat—until it's time for a solo journey of his

own.

 

For kids who worry or stress over life's troubles, This Will Pass is a welcome lesson in mindful patience.

You can learn more in this interview.

Why did you write this book?

This Will Pass was created out of the awareness of the overwhelming feeling of fear and chaos that was present in the world these past few years.  I saw my son being affected by the heaviness of the times as well as children all over the world and I wanted to share with them what I have learned to keep myself calm through difficult times. It really broke my heart to see the children struggling so much and I wanted to help.

I personally have had a long history of anxiety and worrying that started in childhood 

and two valuable practices that have helped me is controlled belly breathing and meditation.  

The other very important thing I have learned from life experience and the studying of eastern philosophies such as Buddhism and Hinduism is the idea of impermanence, that everything is always changing. The comfort I found in this idea is that if you’re going through hard times or experiencing difficult emotions, you know for sure it will pass because everything is constantly changing, that is the one constant of life. Hopefully this will give comfort to children also. The goal is to keep yourself calm and to not get carried away by the turbulent seas that come and go. 

Why is it important for kids to feel heard when they're expressing worries?

It is so very important for children to be heard and validated when they are experiencing fear or worries because they need and deserve to feel seen in these moments.  They need to understand that they are human, and we all have fears and worries as human beings.  It’s important that they understand that they are safe and that they are not alone and that these feelings will pass. If children can express their fears out loud to someone who is supportive and open, it gets it out of their head where it is bouncing around getting bigger and bigger. 

How can parents and caregivers help their kids work through fears in a healthy way?

I think the best way is to first teach them belly breathing techniques, which can be found in more detail at the end of the book.  Breathing techniques such as 4-7-8 can really help calm the body and mind. Just remember to use the belly not the chest. It takes practice but it is something truly valuable that can make a dynamic difference.

Then it is important to remind them that they are safe in this moment and to reassure them that as humans, we all have fears and worries and that they are just feelings, and they will pass. Then encourage them to express their fears through words and let them talk out their thoughts.  

After they are calm, then draw or dance or sing, any physical action to get the excess tension out of the body. I personally have found art, music and singing very helpful. It’s about expressing and getting that emotion out and it has a very soothing effect.

Joy Donnini is a children’s book author, musician, and a mother, which she considers her most important job. She spent many years studying and writing music and transitioned to strictly writing for children when her son was born in 2007. Joy's published works include This Will Pass and Rock and the Fly. Joy can be found online at www.jdonninibooks.com