Why Smart Kids Worry, Allison Edwards
Why Smart Kids Worry, Allison Edwards
List: $17.50 | Sale: $12.25
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Why Smart Kids Worry
And What Parents Can Do to Help

Author: Allison Edwards

Narrator: Allyson Ryan

Unabridged: 6 hr 37 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Sourcebooks

Published: 04/07/2026


Synopsis

Unlock the secrets behind your child’s worries.

Is your bright child overwhelmed by worries that seem beyond their years? Do questions about global issues or personal anxieties keep them up at night? "Why Smart Kids Worry" offers a compassionate roadmap to understanding and supporting your child's unique emotional landscape.

Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist Allison Edwards delves into the intricate relationship between intelligence and anxiety in children. Drawing from her extensive experience, she provides parents with actionable strategies to help their children navigate the challenges of growing up smart and sensitive.

“Therapist Edwards brings profound insight into the minds of gifted, anxious children in this parent-friendly handbook.” — Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

In this insightful guide, you'll discover:

The Link Between Intelligence and Anxiety: Understand why intellectually advanced children are more prone to excessive worrying. 15 Practical Tools: Equip yourself with effective techniques to help your child manage their fears and build resilience. Real-Life Scenarios: Learn how to address tough questions about topics like death, natural disasters, and global events in an age-appropriate manner. Strategies for Everyday Challenges: Gain insights into managing perfectionism, overthinking, and high expectations that often accompany giftedness.

Whether your child struggles with school stress, social fears, or perfectionism, Why Smart Kids Worry gives you the tools to help them feel safe, understood, and empowered.

About The Author

Allison Edwards is a Licensed Professional Counselor and registered Play Therapist with specialized training in working with children, adolescents, and families. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Northwest Missouri State and a Master’s degree in counseling from Vanderbilt University.. She is an adjunct professor in the Human Development Counseling Program at Vanderbilt University, and she maintains full-time private practice with children of all ages.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Kerry on August 07, 2015

I have to say this is one of the best books on managing anxiety for children that I have read. Whilst the title and the first chapter gives the impression that the whole book is only about anxiety in highly intelligent children, this is not the case. The author gives examples on the differences betw......more

Goodreads review by Andrea on January 26, 2026

My son is an anxious kid, but it’s really heightened lately. I’m a natural “book for everything” person. I started listening to this in hopes of helping him. Not only did I get a glimpse into the way his brain works, but also got tools to help him work through that and empower him to do that. Not onl......more

Goodreads review by Bobbi on September 08, 2024

Loved this! The author provided a lot of clarifying information about anxiety and tangible tips that parents can leave this book with and implement right away. The writing was perfect for the audience, not too technical or or clinical, but still gave a great debriefing of what anxiety and processing......more

Goodreads review by Sarah on January 14, 2023

I read this seeking helpful tools for teaching and parenting and received both! Great perspective and knowledgeable information to help with advanced learners and children with anxiety. My wish is that the author would publish an updated version with anything that’s been modified in the last decade,......more

Goodreads review by Myc on January 16, 2022

This book deals almost exclusively with anxiety in young children—though there are some other elements that might plague children that are at least mentioned. Much of the material is not cited, which there is a place for—but in a book that is focused on mental health, I always feel better when sourc......more