“It’s important for us to provide a safe, loving place and a willingness to listen while children work through whatever is bothering them.” ~ Fred Rogers
We all have worries and fears. For a child who has experienced trauma and family separation, those worries and fears are often amplified. So, how do we help kids calm worried thoughts? Look no further than Mr. Rogers’ close friend and star of the PBS Kids show “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” Daniel Tiger. Below are two of his most tried and true strategies.
Image of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood by Fred Rogers Productions
A conversation with a trusted adult or friend can provide relief and reassurance while strengthening relationships. Talking through fears and worries offers opportunities to:
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Validate feelings
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Reduce anxiety
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Provide reassurance of safety
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Identify and process core issues
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Introduce self-regulating techniques such as deep breathing or positive self-talk
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Give an example of how you overcame a fear
“Close Your Eyes and Think of Something Happy” Song
Did you know that closing your eyes activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps the body reduce stress? Additionally, shifting attention from worrisome thoughts or fears to happy thoughts, memories, or activities can interrupt patterns of fearful thinking. With enough practice, we can stop worries and fears before they snowball (e.g., “I control my thoughts, and I choose to think happy ones”).
The best thing about Daniel Tiger’s tips is that these are evidence-based and work for grownups, too. For more of Daniel Tiger’s easy tips for a variety of hard situations, visit his PBS site for parents at https://www.pbs.org/parents/shows/daniel.
Recommended Resources
From the Resource Library
- Raising Kids with Big Baffling Behaviors – Brain-Body-Sensory Strategies That Really Work, by Robyn Gobbel
- The Panicosaurus, by K.I. Al-Ghani
- When My Worries Get Too Big!: A Relaxation Book for Children Who Live With Anxiety, by Kari Dunn Buron
- Helping Children to Cope with Change, Stress and Anxiety: A Photocopiable Activities Book, by Deborah M. Plummer
Training From Champion Classrooms
