Together · 10 min
A worry box
A box where a child can post their worries on paper, and a regular time to look at them together.
Some children carry worries around and find them hard to say out loud. A worry box gives them a way to put the worries somewhere outside their head, and a regular time to look at them with you, so the worries do not have to be held alone.
The steps
Four small steps,in your own time.
Make a box together: a shoebox with a slot, decorated however they like.
Explain that when a worry comes, they can write or draw it on a piece of paper and post it in the box.
Choose a regular time, perhaps once a week, to open the box together and talk about the worries.
For each worry, talk about whether it is still a worry, and what might help. Some can be thrown away together.
The reason
Why it helps
Writing or drawing a worry can make it feel smaller and more manageable. Having a set time to talk can help a child let go of the worry between times. Throwing away a worry that has passed can be satisfying and reassuring.
A gentle variation
For older children, a notebook or a note on their phone can work the same way. If a child's worries are about someone at home who is unwell, gently explain what is happening at their level, and let them know it is all right to ask.
WE · TRIBE
Try itwith someone.
Let other members of the family post their own worries too, so the child sees that everyone has worries sometimes.
Try it today
This week, make a worry box with your child and agree a time to open it together.
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