This article originally appeared in MindBodyGreen.
The following is adapted from Renee Jain, MAPP, and Shefali Tsabary, Ph.D.'s new book Superpowered, which helps kids with stress, anxiety, and other happenings in their daily lives. The book is written for young adults but contains plenty of information useful for all ages. Here, they discuss how to help your kid get over the "What-if" cycle.
Humans are typically considered the only species on Earth that can think ahead and make complex plans for the future. Thinking about the future has a lot of benefits, including helping us with decision-making, motivating us to reach goals, and allowing us to plan for emergencies. You think about the future constantly. You schedule time to do homework. You practice so you're ready for the game. You make a family plan in case of a fire. It's a skill you'll use your whole life.