Children have some big worries sometimes! While it is important to acknowledge their worries and concerns, it is also important to provide coping strategies are kid friendly, engaging, and even fun to learn. The skill of self-awareness happens as children get older… They cannot always process why their feelings are happing and giving them kid friendly resources and strategies can help them problem solve as they recognize and explore their worries. Here are some engaging ways to support the big worries of children.
- Use a Worry Toy
Toys are an incredibly big part of early child development. Letting children pick a doll, bear or other stuffed animal to chat with allows them to verbally process their thoughts, including their worries. Talking out loud helps them work though their big problems and practice verbalizing before talking to an adult
- Create
Art is a wonderful way to reflect on big feelings. Therapists often use art as a way to help children work through and process their big feelings. Doodling, journaling, painting, and building with clay are amazing ways to manage feelings of worry. Creating something sometimes helps children process, reflect, and express worries that may be difficult to express verbally.
- Listening to Music
Music is a powerful tool that helps children manage their feelings of worry. Children may relate to the lyrics of a song and fell understood and less alone in their experiences. Lyrics may also help children find the vocabulary to help them verbally express their worries. The tone, volume, and tempo of a song can help children manage their worries. Certain songs can be calming, while other upbeat songs can offer a feeling of optimism and happiness.
- Deep Breathing and Relaxing
Taking the time to relax and slow down your breathing is a great way to help with worries. Deep breathing helps reduce stress, manage worries, and put children in a better mood. Deep breathing also helps children be more self-aware, allowing them to feel somewhat in control of their worries. Allowing children to blow bubbles is a great way to start the practice of deep breathing with children.
- Go Outside
Nature is Wonderful! Being outside reduces stress, helps regulate mood, and promotes a feeling calmness and peace for children. There are so many ways to use the outdoors to help children manage their anxiety, such as taking a walk, dancing, running, playing games, climbing, hiking, swimming and so much more. Taking the time to be outside helps children use play and nature to help them manage their feelings.
Empowering children by introducing these simple techniques allows children to learn how to calm their own worries in fun and effective ways. By providing these tools and fostering a supportive environment, children can face their fears with confidence and resilience.