a Worry Box: A Simple Coping Tool for Kids
How to Create a Worry Box: Coping Skills for Kids That Really Work
Children worry more than we realize—about school, friendships, bedtime, and things they can’t always explain. But unlike adults, most kids don’t have the vocabulary or tools to manage those anxious thoughts. That’s where a worry box comes in.
Creating a worry box is a fun and simple way to support child stress management, helping kids externalize their fears and build healthy emotional habits. It’s an effective coping skills for kids, and best of all—it’s easy, affordable, and can be done at home or in the therapy room!
A worry box is a physical container where children can “put” their worries—literally writing them down and placing them inside. This activity teaches kids that:
Worries are normal and manageable
They can separate themselves from their anxious thoughts
Not all thoughts need to stay in their head
This practice is often used in therapeutic activities for kids to help reduce stress, support emotional expression, and give children a sense of control over their inner world.
Why Worry Boxes Support Child Stress Management
Children often feel overwhelmed by worries because they don’t know what to do with them. A worry box helps kids process their thoughts in a way that feels safe and playful.
Here’s how it helps with child stress management:
Externalizing anxiety: Writing worries down reduces their intensity
Creating boundaries: The box contains the fear—symbolically and emotionally
Building routines: Worry time gives structure to emotional expression
Developing language: It gives kids a way to name and share what’s bothering them
Therapists often incorporate worry boxes into sessions because they promote emotional regulation, mindfulness, and creative expression—all critical coping skills for kids.
Using the Worry Box as a Regular Coping Tool
The key to making this a lasting child stress management strategy is consistency. Here are a few ways to keep the practice going:
Use it before bedtime to prevent nighttime overthinking
Keep it on a shelf or desk where your child can access it freely
Let them decorate new worry slips with colors or drawings
Pair it with deep breathing or Progressive Muscle Relaxation for added calm
LEARN ABOUT PROGRESSIVE MUSCLE RELAXATION →
This small daily habit can turn into one of the most empowering coping skills for kids—giving them both language and agency over their emotions.
When to Seek Extra Support
While a worry box is a helpful starting point, some kids need additional support.
If your child is:
Avoiding school or social situations
Having frequent meltdowns or sleep issues
Experiencing physical symptoms like stomachaches tied to worry
Showing signs of anxiety that interfere with daily life
…it might be time to connect with a therapist who specializes in therapeutic activities for kids and anxiety management.
At Hanisch Counseling Services, we use playful, evidence-based approaches like EMDR, CBT, EMDR, and child-centered therapy to help kids not just talk about worries—but transform how they respond to them.
📩 Want to learn more about how therapy can support your child’s emotional growth?
Schedule a free consultation to explore our approach to child stress management and personalized care
