How to Talk With a Child About Worries

How might a child show that something is worrying them?

A child may bring up worries through questions such as 'What if the car breaks down?' or 'What if you forget to pick me up?' They might also have a harder time with a familiar routine. These signals are a reason to slow down and listen, not a reason to label or diagnose them.

Try to answer honestly at your child's level, acknowledge the feeling, and explain what will happen next. If a worry is persistent, severe, or interferes with daily life, ask your child's pediatrician or a qualified mental health professional for guidance.

What everyday routines can make room for worry conversations?

Some families set aside a short, quiet time each day to draw or talk about what is on a child's mind. Others use a funny name or character to make a difficult topic feel easier to discuss.

You can also offer a simple present-moment activity together, such as noticing a few things you can see and hear, taking a slow breath, or choosing a comforting routine. Notice what your child finds useful.

• •Make a quiet check-in time: Set aside a few minutes for your child to draw or talk about whatever is on their mind.
• •Use a playful character: A nickname like the Worry Bug, Mr. What-If, or the Chatterbox can help a child describe a thought without feeling defined by it.
• •Notice the present together: Invite your child to name a few things they can see or hear, or take a slow breath with you. Let them decide whether it feels helpful.

Which children's books can start a conversation about worries?

Books such as Ruby's Worry, What to Do When You Worry Too Much, and Wemberly Worried offer different story-led ways to talk about worries. Review a book first to decide whether its language and themes fit your child.

• •Ruby's Worry by Tom Percival: A picture book in which Ruby's small worry grows into a large yellow monster before she talks with another child.
• •What to Do When You Worry Too Much by Dawn Huebner: An interactive workbook for early readers and their parents; review it to decide whether it is appropriate for your family.
• •Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes: A story about a little mouse who worries about many things before her first day of school.

What is 'The Worry Worry Bug' by Souvenit?

In Souvenit's edition 'The Worry Worry Bug' from our Worries & Anxiety collection, your child is illustrated face-to-face with a persistent, fuzzy little creature representing their worried thoughts. Throughout the story, your child learns to notice the bug, thank it for trying to keep them safe, and firmly tell it: 'I am safe, and I am in charge.'

You can pause at a scene to ask what the bug is saying, what the character thinks, and what support they would like. For children preparing for kindergarten, explore our guide on starting school books or browse our Being Brave collection.