Fear resources
JIBERWILLIES AT NIGHT
Katie is generally a happy girl who can fall asleep peacefully, but sometimes as she tries to settle down and fall asleep, she experiences fear. She calls her fear the jibberwillies, and the jibberwillies will not go away even when she tries her hardest to think of pleasant, joyful things. Katie calls for her mom, who responds with the creative idea of catching the jibberwillies. Katie tries it, but it does not work, but then her mom takes a turn. By catching the jibberwillies and tossing them out of her room, Katie is able to settle down and rest again. This book reminds us of how real fear feels for kids even when they are not truly in danger. In cases like this, sometimes thinking creatively helps children shift and experience their fears as less powerful, so that they can feel at ease and secure again.
THE BERENSTAIN BEARS IN THE DARK
This tale tells of Sister and Brother Bears experience of the common childhood fear of the dark. Sister, especially, experiences this fear, and Papa Bear helps Sister face her fear by teaching her about her imagination. He emphasizes the gift of a vibrant imagination, and yet the importance of not letting your imagination take control. In this way, he teaches her a coping strategy that helps her minimize her fear and sleep soundfully and peacefully once again.
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Elizabeth B. Burton is a licensed professional counselor and life coach with Burton Counseling, PLLC. Elizabeth lives just outside of Chattanooga, TN., and you can learn about Elizabeth here. You can learn more about working directly with Elizabeth here. Elizabeth also provides support to individuals and groups through an online course on Coping with Anxiety & Stress and through providing workshops. Elizabeth communicates about mental health and well-being through both the Narrating Hope newsletter and podcast as well as through her writing. Elizabeth would love to connect with you and welcomes you to sign up for the newsletter, listen in to the podcast, reach out about working together, and connect on social media.