Feeling Safer in Unsafe Times

When children experience frightening or confusing events, adults often rush to explain what happened or encourage them to “be brave.” But before children can problem-solve, they first need help feeling safe, seen, and understood.

That understanding is the foundation of Feeling Safer in Unsafe Times: A Bilingual Therapeutic Coloring Book, being published by Humanitas Media on September 15, 2026. This gentle support tool is designed to help children ages 3–8 talk about and express big feelings after confusing or frightening experiences while creating meaningful conversations with trusted adults.

The neuroscience-based premise behind this work is simple but important: when a child is in a heightened emotional state, they must first be approached through the right hemisphere of the brain, where emotions reside. Only after emotions are acknowledged can we move into the left hemisphere, which is responsible for problem-solving.

The coloring book presents ten scenarios based on actual occurrences. Each begins with the question, “What do you feel?” The goal is to help children explore and express emotions such as sadness, fear, anger, loneliness, or confusion, rather than telling them how they should feel. As caregivers, parents, therapists, or helpers, it is important that we experience the child’s perspective, remain present, and let the child know they are seen and heard.

Once a child feels understood, the conversation can move to the second question: “What can you do?” This part engages the child’s problem-solving abilities and encourages them to think about what might help them feel safer or more in control. Each scenario offers one possible coping strategy, but children should also be encouraged to suggest their own ideas. Often, children know what feels most comforting or manageable for them if adults take the time to listen openly.

That sense of agency matters deeply. Frightening experiences can leave children feeling powerless, while participating in the process of finding solutions can help restore hope and emotional stability.

The coloring format itself also serves an important purpose. Many children express themselves more comfortably while coloring or drawing, and the calming nature of the activity can help create emotional safety while reducing the pressure of direct conversation.

After more than 50 years working as a psychologist specializing in childhood temperament, parent-child relationships, and emotional development, I have seen how deeply children benefit when adults slow down enough to truly listen. At its core, Feeling Safer in Unsafe Times is about helping children understand that their feelings matter, their voices matter, and that even during difficult moments, there are safe people ready to listen and help.

Feeling Safer in Unsafe Times: A Bilingual Therapeutic Coloring Book by Dr. Linda S. Budd and illustrated by Rick Lebo will be available wherever books are sold beginning September 15, 2026.