How to Manage Worry and Anxiety Lesson and Activity
Worrysaurus Book Companion and Lesson on How to Manage Worry and Anxiety
Worry and anxiety are common experiences for everyone, including children. Helping them understand and manage these feelings is crucial for their emotional well-being. One effective way to teach kids about worry and anxiety is through storytelling, and "Worrysaurus" by Rachel Bright is an excellent resource for this purpose.
"Worrysaurus" is a delightful book that tells the story of a little dinosaur who embarks on a picnic. It's a beautiful day, and Worrysaurus is excited. However, his excitement soon turns into worry. Thoughts like "What if I haven't brought enough to eat?" "What if I get lost?" "What if it rains?" start to flutter in his mind, causing him anxiety.
What is a "Worry"?
In our lesson, we start by defining a "worry." A worry is a thought or feeling that makes you feel uneasy or scared. It's normal to feel worried sometimes, especially when thinking about things that might happen in the future. For example, children might worry about an upcoming test or making new friends at school.
Reading "Worrysaurus"
We then dive into the story of "Worrysaurus." At the beginning of the story, Worrysaurus feels great and is excited about his planned day. But soon, he starts worrying about various things:
Not having enough to eat or drink
Getting lost
Bad weather
Any little thing that could possibly go wrong
Even though it’s a beautiful day with the sun shining and the sky blue, Worrysaurus starts feeling anxious.
Understanding Anxiety
I explain that anxiety is a feeling we get when we are worried or scared about something that might happen in the future. It's like a little voice in our head telling us something bad might happen, even if it's not very likely. While worry and anxiety are closely connected, they are not the same.
**Worry** is thinking about things that might happen in the future and trying to prepare for them.
**Anxiety** is a feeling of unease or fear that is often related to worrying. It can make it hard to relax or focus and can cause physical symptoms like a racing heart, sweaty palms, or butterflies in the stomach.
Comparing Worry and Anxiety
Coping with Worry and Anxiety
In the story, Worrysaurus copes with his worries by using a comfort box filled with things that make him feel better:
His favorite stick
A rock
A letter
A teddy bear
Holding these items helps Worrysaurus feel his worries melt away, allowing him to enjoy his picnic.
Additional Strategies for Managing Anxiety
During the lesson I encourage children to think about other strategies they can use to manage their anxiety, such as:
Talking to a trusted friend or family member
Taking deep breaths
Writing in a journal
Doing a calming activity like drawing or coloring
Focusing on positive thoughts
These strategies can help children feel happy and calm, making it easier to cope with their "hard to have" feelings.
Creating a Comfort Box
We end the lesson by asking the children to think about what they would put in their comfort box. This activity helps them identify personal items that bring them comfort and joy, providing a tangible way to manage their worries.
Conclusion
Feeling worried or anxious from time to time is normal, but it’s important not to let these feelings control our thoughts and actions. By using strategies that make us feel happy and calm, we can better manage our worries and enjoy the moment, just like Worrysaurus. Using this book helps children understand that they are not alone in their worries and that there are practical ways to manage and overcome anxiety.
