Here we take you through some of our top resources for easing worries in young children. From breathing exercises, to calming flashcards – take a look below at our most popular anxiety busting activities. You can sign up to access all these and more for just £1.99 a month!
Since launching last year, hundreds of you have been using our resources with children in your care. It always helps us to know which resources you find the most useful – so don’t forget to leave us feedback in the Hub if there’s one you’ve particularly enjoyed.
Did you know that in the first lockdown back in 2020, anxiety in young children increased by 45%? This figure is staggering – and referrals for professional support have continued to increase as we navigate back into a new normal.
We know how useless it can sometimes feel as a parent watching your child worry or go through the process of professional support. Not knowing how to support/help them at home or what to say to help them feel calm during times of distress. That’s why we create our resources. Take a look at some of our most popular below…
Disclaimer: Our resources are not meant to replace professional support, we would always recommend checking in with a doctor if you are concerned about your child’s wellbeing.
1. Worry Monster
This activity is suitable for young children age 3+ – let our Worry Monster gobble your child’s worries! How this works – Have your child write their worry in the monster’s big mouth, have them place the worry under their pillow at night and remove when they are asleep.
2. My Bag of Worries
What will your child put into their bag of worries? How this works – Our Bag of Worries activity helps your children to identify their most pressing worries to work through. Help them to realise which worries are affecting them the most by writing them on the bag contents and sticking them in place.
3. Mindful Morning
A fun way to begin every day – or a calming activity to do when your child is stressed or anxious. Our Mindful Morning print can be displayed in their room or if you’re a teacher – in your classroom. How it works – this poster gives your child 5 quick things to do when they are feeling panicked or overwhelmed by worries.
4. Calm Cards
Our Calm Cards have been one of our most popular downloads since we launched in September 2021. How they work – download, print and cut out to create 24 calming flashcards. Keep these in your calm corner and have your child pick one when they are feeling anxious or worried. You can also use these to educate your child on things they can do by themselves when they feel upset, stressed, angry or anxious.
5. Mindful Tracing
These Mindful Tracing Cards are a great, calming activity for kids who are feeling anxious and worried. How it works – have your child pick a card and slowly trace their finger along the line, taking deep breaths in and out.
6. Nature Breathing Cards
The best thing about our Nature Breathing Cards is that they also double as an outdoor scavenger hunt too! How they work – if you need to calm down a child quickly, then deep breathing is one of the best techniques they can do and learn. This resource contains 8 flashcards to help children who feel overwhelmed. Optional – take these cards with you on your next walk and have a go at finding all these things in nature! Can you find them all?
Is there a resource you found that eased worries that’s not listed here? Let us – and others – know in the comments!