As an elementary principal, I am proud to recommend this book as a valued addition to every school classroom and library. This beautifully crafted children’s book is a powerful tool for helping young readers to recognize and understand their emotions. Through its relatable characters and engaging examples, children can see themselves on every page. Each character offers practical reset strategies, providing children with positive examples of how to navigate their feelings. The kid-friendly examples and relatable storytelling make complex emotions accessible and understandable for young learners. The prompts on each page make each page interactive, sparking meaningful discussions and encouraging deeper reflection. This book doesn’t just teach; it fosters an environment where kids can openly talk about their emotions and learn from them. This book is an inspiring reminder that even when the going gets tough, choosing happiness is always an option. It’s a must-have resource for any parent, educator, medical provider or therapist who is dedicated to nurturing emotionally intelligent and resilient children.
~ Ali Parkinson, Elementary Principal
In a world where our future teachers need to be prepared for much more than teaching content to their students, this book provides the necessary tools, strategies, and conversation starters to support students from all backgrounds. Everything from relatable characters to real-life scenarios to questions that will get students thinking and talking makes this book a “must read” for students and teachers in today’s classrooms.
Dr. Sonja Brandt, Professor in Higher Education (Teaching and Learning)
As both a parent and an educator, fostering emotional intelligence in children and teachers is critical. ‘When the Going Gets Tough’ is a true gem—it equips children (and their teachers) with practical strategies to navigate complex emotions and find their happiness. This beautifully written and illustrated book not only captured my children’s imaginations, but also sparked meaningful conversations about handling difficult emotions. A must-have for every home and classroom library!
Dr. Brittany Hagen, Parent and Professor in Higher Education (Teacher Education)
How do we as adults support children as they face new emotional experiences every day? In this engaging and inspiring book, Dr. Peterson paves the way for us to teach children about their emotional lives. She artfully uses the interactive read aloud method to support adults as they read the book with children. Throughout the book she integrates meaningful interaction prompts to invite before, during and after reading discussion. Children get to engage with characters in the book by naming, validating and resetting negative emotions. Because children can see themselves in Dr. Peterson’s resilient characters, they make personal connections to them. This supports them as they “try out” resetting their own emotions as they encounter new experiences daily. The joyful characters set the tone for turning frowns into smiles but not by “stuffing” emotions. Rather, children learn to intentionally select strategies from a toolbox and to take charge of their emotional lives in developmentally appropriate ways.
Dr. Shelby Barrentine, Professor Emerita and Interactive Read Aloud Specialist
A book like “When the Going Gets Tough” is exactly what our children need, offering them tools to find their joy amidst life’s challenges. This interactive read-aloud, complete with guiding questions for the teacher or parent, provides simple effective strategies that empower young readers to regulate their emotions and find their happy. It’s an invaluable resource that every educator and parent should have in their toolkit.
Jana Makovsky, Elementary Teacher and Instructional Coach
This book needs to be in every home that has a child, all schools, and all libraries! What an excellent resource for all children, and their families, to help them navigate through life’s mental and physical challenges!
Dr. Eric Lunn
Pediatrician
Former Hospital President
School Board Member
School of Medicine & Health Sciences Faculty Member
As an elementary school teacher, I believe this book is a game-changer for educators and children alike. It equips adults with tools to help kids handle tough moments and embrace their emotions. By teaching kids it’s okay to feel deeply and offering practical “reset strategies,” it provides both teachers and students with the skills to navigate big emotions. The diverse characters allow kids to feel represented, and its colorful, engaging illustrations will draw readers of all ages in! Teaching children to navigate difficulties with confidence and job ensures they grow into resilient and emotionally healthy humans. This book is a must-have for every classroom and anyone working with children.
Kathleen Pedersen, Elementary Teacher and Reading Specialist
Dr. Erin Peterson beautifully addresses the complexity of self-regulation of emotions. The strategies are presented in an imaginative and effortless manner. “When The Going Gets Tough” undoubtedly guides adults and children in communicating about feelings effectively. The Interactive Guide will positively impact the mental health of children and assist adults in navigating communication to help the child find their happy.
Julie Riddle, LICSW, LCSW, MSW, Owner and Clinician, Adjunct Faculty Member