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Anxiety and depression are internalizing problems (IP). This means that for some children, problems occur mostly on the inside. They withdraw themselves from situations, and they are very shy, or worry a lot. Unfortunately, over the last decades, these kinds of problems occur increasingly often amongst young people (2,3,6,10). Often this already starts at a very early age, when children are still the most emotionally vulnerable. The impact this can have on the life of these children is detrimental. Namely, IP in childhood is linked to sleep problems, reduced performance at school, and sometimes even physical health problems (1,8,9).  

An important predictor of anxiety and depression disorders in children is behavioral inhibition. This means that children exhibit shy or withdrawn behavior (7,14). If we can recognize this early enough, we can offer an early, preventive intervention to prevent IP. That is why the Cool Little Kids parent training was developed: a program that helps parents to support and help their children with the risk of developing IP. By already offering these families a therapy, before the anxiety disorder actually manifests itself, it could be prevented. 

Still, the same approach does not fit every family. For some parents, this Cool Little Kids training is too (time) intensive, while for other parents, it might not be sufficient. That is why Brave Little Ones offers the opportunity to tailor the intervention to the degree of anxiety and shyness of the child: ‘Brave Steps’.