This toolkit aims to help parents and practitioners support children aged 5+ in managing anxiety and worries. It centers around a technique called externalization, where the child’s worries are characterized as a “Worry Monster” to separate the anxiety from the child’s identity.
The toolkit provides step-by-step guidance on using the Worry Monster approach. This includes having the child draw their monster, naming it, and roleplaying standing up to it. Worksheets help the child identify bodily cues, typical monster statements, empowering responses, and calming strategies to create a “worry toolbox.”
Additional materials support discussing common worries and practicing defeating the monster. A recommended video visually depicts separating one’s own worries from others’ worries and uncontrollables. The lighthearted monster metaphor aims to help children view their anxiety as something within their power to manage.
This unique toolkit gives parents and professionals a child-friendly narrative approach to address anxiety issues. Externalizing worries as a monster can empower kids to gain control over their anxiety. The simple method makes it an accessible resource.
FREE PDF DOWNLOAD OF DO YOU HAVE A WORRY MONSTER: MANAGING ANXIETY WITH THE WORRY MONSTER TOOLKIT
