What to do When Series

The What to Do When… series from the American Psychological Association translates cognitive behavioral therapy techniques into child-friendly workbooks. Each title focuses on a specific challenge—worry, anger, bad habits, negative thoughts—and uses stories, metaphors, and drawing pages to help kids recognize patterns and practice new skills. Written by clinical psychologists, the books are designed to be used slowly with a caring adult, not handed over as independent reading. Parents appreciate the concrete, non-shaming tone and the way exercises open up honest conversations. They’re affordable compared to therapy sessions, but not a replacement for professional help when needed; think of them as a guided toolkit to support emotional skills at home or alongside counseling.