How to Stop Freaking Out: The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Cool When Life Feels Chaotic by Carla Naumburg

What worked:

It’s remarkable how well the author shares psychological suggestions by making them relatable to young readers. Everyone deals with anxiety and stress and the book reassures readers that freaking out is normal. Everyone freaks out at some time. Information is accompanied by colorful cartoons which adds a little levity to mature concepts. The author constantly provides examples and “what ifs” to give kids specific situations that may resonate with them. Approaching freakouts is compared to getting on a roller coaster as it’s harder to get off as the moment nears. Readers learn about their buttons and how to avoid getting them pushed. Short quizzes are included throughout the book to help readers recall and internalize the information covered.

Almost every page includes humor and amusing ideas to explain the coping techniques. The narrative is written in a conversational tone to make readers comfortable. The author makes jokes when appropriate and paints some amusing mental images. The introduction tells readers that two important strategies to use when freaking out are F.A.R.T.s and BuRPing. Not those kinds of farts and burps! The terms refer to acronym reminders to identify potential freaks outs and ways to de-escalate when they’re happening. “Quack like a duck” is listed as one of the BuRPs! A person’s limbic is always looking for ways to keep them safe and the author compares this part of the brain to a Safety Squirrel.

The author is a clinical social worker and has previously written four parenting books, one of which is about not freaking out. She begins by defining the term freaking out and identifies situations that are examples and non-examples. Young readers learn how their bodies handle stress and anxiety which enables them to better avoid going bonkers (one of her terms). Kids are reminded throughout the book that there’s nothing wrong with them and there’s nothing wrong with their feelings. Again, the author’s writing style will make middle-grade readers comfortable with the material while arming them with useful tools for maintaining their mental health.

What didn’t work as well:

This book is more like a manual or guide (the title says it’s a guide) in that it will be nice to have handy for reference purposes rather than memorizing everything in it. The author shares twenty-six ways to BuRP but readers are encouraged to choose the ones that work for them.

The final verdict:

It’s easy to forget the author is sharing useful techniques for handling stressful situations as she makes the narrative amusing and easy to read. She takes the process step by step so young readers fully understand what’s going on with their minds and bodies. I recommend you give this book a shot!