You could make a happy box

In the story the dinosaur is a natural worrier, it is not long before the overthinking gets out of control and a suggestion from a similarly nervous lizard feeds his anxieties. But Worrysaurus has a very helpful strategy in place and he remembers his mother’s advice. He has a tin of precious things in his bag and, going through them one by one, they give him the strength to set the butterfly of worry free. Even tiny children know all about the feeling of butterflies in the tummy so this is universally relatable. 

You could make a special box with your child and put items in it that make them happy.  You could write with your child, a list of why they make you proud to go in the box.  

First find a box, any box and decorate it with paper, paint, sparkles, favourite characters, anything your child likes.  

Then fill it with their precious things and if they are ever feeling anxious or worried open it and the items should make them feel better.  

You could make a worry box

Create the box: 

Any small box will do, there’s no need to buy something new for this project.  Have your child paint or decorate the box as they please.  When your child decorates it independently, they takes ownership of the box and it becomes their special place.

Talk about it: 

Explain to your child that this is a special place where they can put away their worries each night, and that you will take care of those worries each night.  Before bedtime draw a picture of the worry or write it down and place it in the box.  

Let your child choose a place in your room where you can keep the box safe each night while they sleep.  Letting your child make this decision helps your child gain some control over her worries.  They know exactly where they are while they sleep.  The box should not be kept in the child’s room, as that is their safe space.

Put away the worries:  Find five minutes each night (preferably before the bedtime story) where you and your child can discuss their worries from the day.  Parents should write one worry per piece of paper (great use for those extra post-it notes) as your child describes them.  Proceed slowly.  Allow your child to place each worry in the box before you write the next one down.  After you’ve written down the worries for the night, help your child place the box in the identified safe place.  As they settle into sleep, remind them that you will keep their worries safe so that they can be worry-free at night.

e    c   worry-free at night.