In our short film about responding to school anxiety and EBSA, Alis Rocca mentions using worry boxes, so we thought it would be helpful to explain what they are, how they work and how to make one.
What is a worry box?
Worry boxes are containers where children can place their anxious thoughts. They can be comforting because they provide a tangible way to let go of worries, relieving children from carrying them around. Additionally, they create a sense of security by holding onto those anxious thoughts on their behalf.
What will a child put in the box?
The idea is that a child can write down their worries, fears, or concerns on a piece of paper and place them inside the box, symbolically setting them aside. The activity helps children release their worries and stresses. It can be helpful to know that the worry is gone.
What are the benefits?
- Emotional Expression: Using a worry box can encourage children struggling with school anxiety to identify and articulate their feelings, which can be a first step towards managing them.
- Emotional Containment: By physically storing the source of their anxiety, children can feel a sense of control and release the pressure of constantly thinking about them.
- Problem-Solving: Writing down what is worrying them about school can help children think about potential solutions and strategies to address them.
- Communication: Worry boxes can be a starting point for conversations between children and trusted adults about their concerns.
When might a school use one?
If a child is anxious at school a worry box can be a useful tool to help a child gain control over their feelings. Writing anxieties and worries can help a child to understand where their feelings are coming from. They are helpful for children struggling with school anxiety or EBSA (Emotionally based school avoidance).
Can the teacher read what’s in the worry box?
Yes, the notes that children post into the box can be read by teachers; the boxes are a chance for children to communicate their concerns with trusted adults, such as parents, teachers or SENCos. The process needs to be explained to the children beforehand so they’re aware that their notes will be shared.
How can I make a worry box?
It can be any container, large or small, decorated or themed. They can be jars, drawers, or suitcases, depending on the child’s preferences. Young Minds has a good guide to how to make a worry box.
Watch this short film about responding to school anxiety.
