At times, worrying can be an adaptive behavior. However, it can sometimes get in the way of us having a good time or being present. The worry tree is a helpful structure for taking action when we feel like we’re stuck in a worry spiral. It teaches little ones how to let go of their worries or do something to resolve them! Here are 9 activities to help kids of all ages learn to manage their worries.
1. Mindful Bea and the Worry Tree
This is a beautiful children’s book about worry. Bea is worried her friends won’t enjoy themselves at her birthday party. In this book, she learns to implement the worry tree technique. This book teaches students how to implement the worry tree structure.
Learn More: American Psychological Association
2. Worry Tree Technique Explained
Not sure what the worry tree is? This short video walks students through the worry decision tree, clearly laying out the worry tree diagram. It also provides some practical mental health techniques for managing worry.
Learn More: Every Mind Matters
3. Worry Tree Worksheet
This worksheet provides a detailed action plan for walking through the worry tree technique with your students or child. After students color the worry tree, they can color a Worrypuff bird, label it with their worry, and then place it on the worry tree branch.
Learn More: Happiful Kids
4. Worry Tree Handout
This worry tree handout makes a great anchor chart for a counseling office or to send home with students. This simple diagram is a great way to review the worry tree anxiety framework. There’s even room for people to diagram their worries underneath each step.
Learn More: Think CBT
5. Wood Vs. Trees
As humans, we typically tend to worry about many things at the same time. This activity helps students deconstruct their worry forests. Additionally, the activity helps students identify what may help solve their problems and the source of worry.
Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers
6. Worry Tree Questions
This worry tree diagram presents steps in question form. It’s beautifully illustrated and is available in color or black and white. This is a great handout to include during classroom visits throughout the year- particularly during Children’s Mental Health Week.
Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers
7. Embodied Worry Tree
This particular diagram doesn’t look much like a traditional worry tree but is more interactive than some others. Students start by identifying where they feel the worry in their bodies. Additionally, the worksheet asks students to identify specific strategies to deal with their real event worries.
Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers
8. Worry Comics
This charming comic explains how to use a worry tree. The simple language and colorful graphics make it accessible for young students. This is a quick and easy way to explain the worry tree activity in #4.
Learn More: Happiful Kids
9. No Worries Workbook
This workbook has a variety of techniques to help students work through worry. Over time, the authors believe using this workbook will boost productivity and clarity. Activities include setting goals, art doodling, and breathing.
Learn More: Libro World
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