Tonight I opened a very unique mail bag. As soon as I sat down with a complimentary copy of Kari Dunn Buron’s Social Times magazine, I knew it was special. Of the four items Kari sent me, I read Social Times first simply because it’s a quick read and my boys were watching their nightly video. It’s a newspaper-style magazine like others often found in classrooms around the country. However, it is geared toward helping children with social cognitive challenges understand how to interact appropriately with others and communicate in a socially acceptable manner. Genius!

The issue I received had an article on handling change, how to get a good night’s sleep, being a good sport, and using Kari’s 5-point scale to communicate with others in a group. It also had a comic that made me chuckle as I can see Joshua saying something similar some day. Two puzzles and some trivia rounded out the magazine. As I was reading, I could envision a group of upper elementary students or junior high students sitting around a table or on the floor with a social worker or school psychologist, taking turns reading from the magazine and discussing helpful tips. Social Times is definitely a useful tool! I already recommended it to a friend of mine who works in the special education department of a local school system!

https://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=manhatsmom20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1931282927&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifrThe next book I pulled out of the bag was Kari’s When My Worries Get Too Big. It is a picture book version of Kari’s 5-point scale. When I was done reading, I felt like Kari had mailed me a bag of hope. I am not exaggerating.

When My Worries Get Too Big follows a little boy as he talks about things that make him worried and things that make him feel good. He explains Kari’s 5-point scale in simple words and offers examples. In addition, there is room in the book for children to write and draw about their own worries and solutions.

Kari has written and illustrated a book that offers children on the autism spectrum a way to deal with anxiety and anger before it gets out of control! She teaches them how to manage themselves and work their way down from a 5 (really stressful) to a 1 (really calm and happy). By empowering these children with this tool, Kari makes their lives and their caregiver’s lives much easier! I would recommend this book for any child that has anxiety or anger issues, whether or not they are on the autism spectrum. It is extremely practical and easy. I would even recommend multiple copies if your child is around multiple caregivers on a consistent basis.

Since my son just turned five, I wasn’t sure if he would grasp the scale concept. I put the book on the couch and sat there, waiting for the movie to finish. After turning off the computer, my son came over to me and noticed the book. The cover drawing had caught his attention. “What’s that?”

“It’s a book to help you feel better when you’re angry or worried.” He kept looking at it. “Would you like to see it?” He nodded.

We flipped through the book a bit, and the scale at the back caught his attention. I explained the 5 and the 1, and gave a couple of examples of a 5. We talked for a few minutes about things that could help him feel better, and he wanted me to explain the illustrations of the relaxing process. The picture of a happy boy holding a to-do list resonated with my son. He seemed to understand the scale. I told him we would talk more about it another day.

We went off for the boys to brush teeth, go potty, and go to bed. I was excited that he seemed to understand the concept, and very hopeful about the help this would offer our family. After tucking the boys into bed, I got online to thank Kari for sending the books. While I was sitting there, my son came out and asked for his “feeling book.” He wanted to take Kari’s book to bed with him. I’d say that’s a review all on its own!

Be watching in the next few weeks for reviews on two more of Kari’s books. They are longer and will not be read so quickly. However, I could not wait to read them before I shared this dose of hope with those of you who have children with anxiety or anger issues. I really believe this strategy is going to make a positive difference in my son’s life. Thank you, Kari.