Are you a worrier? Helping young kids know it’s OK

Has anyone ever said to you, “It could be worse”, “Get over it, it’s not that big of a deal”, or “Buck up, buttercup”? Have those words ever helped you feel better when you were struggling or worried? Adults have a lot on their shoulders. When a child reacts worried or stressed, it’s natural to feel or say these phrases: “Kids have it so easy!” “Why is she so upset about something so little?!” These phrases may seem true compared to the struggles adults face daily, but showing that you understand and respect your child’s needs can help build motivation and self-esteem. It also builds trust between the two of you.

Lots of parents are wired to jump right into fix-it mode when something is wrong. While that might make you feel better, it doesn’t always help kids feel better. Try to listen and understand what’s wrong. Simply listening is the easiest way for you to show empathy and help your child.

TIP for YOU: Read “Don’t Feed The WorryBug”  by Andi Green to help prepare children to transition into Kindergarten and understand anxiety. In this story, we meet Wince, The Monster of Worry, and his nemesis, the WorryBug, and Wince discovers the secret to keeping his worries from getting monstrous. This is a great starting point to talk about worrying and learn that it is ok to have these feelings. But not to let these worries grow and take over.