In a classroom calm corner, at home after a difficult moment, or during a child counselling session, this printable anxiety worksheet gives children a simple way to notice when worry is trying to trick them. It focuses on recognising anxious thoughts and choosing a calmer, more helpful response.
Parents, carers, teachers and child-focused practitioners may find this most useful for primary-aged children who struggle with anxious thoughts, self-doubt, social worries or fear of trying something difficult. The page uses child-friendly language, describing worries as silly tricks that can scare us or boss us around.
The activity is built around the idea of spotting the worry trick. Children are invited to write or draw in response to the prompt, “What trick did my worry use today?” The examples shown include thoughts such as “They will all laugh” and “You can’t do it”, making it relevant for school anxiety, confidence worries, friendship fears and performance nerves.
A second writing space asks, “What could I say next time my worry tries this trick?” This turns the page into a practical CBT-style anxiety exercise for kids, helping them practise coping statements, brave thoughts, self-talk and alternative responses rather than simply naming the worry and leaving it there.
The friendly monster illustrations and short affirmation, “Worries can be loud, but I get to choose my response”, make the task feel accessible rather than clinical. It could be used as a one-to-one therapy worksheet, a home discussion prompt, a school wellbeing activity, or a gentle follow-up after a child has experienced a worry spiral.
