When your child feels anxious, play can be a lifeline—but not all toys are created equal. Some overstimulate, while others gently guide a child’s nervous system toward calm and focus. In *Toys for the Anxious Child*, Rebecca Aldous Frye helps you choose toys that genuinely soothe, steady, and build emotional regulation. Discover why a weighted stuffed animal can ease bedtime fears, how a simple set of wooden blocks invites peaceful cooperation, and which fidgets actually focus attention without distraction. You’ll learn how to introduce each toy, what age it works best for, and how to play together so the learning sinks in. This book also guides you in creating a calm play space, rotating toys to prevent overwhelm, and using play to teach emotional vocabulary and coping skills. Packed with practical tips and grounded in developmental science, it cuts through the noise of the toy industry—because the best play doesn’t have to be expensive, just intentional. Part of The Purposeful Play Library.