Worry Monster

To provide a concrete strategy for children to express and manage worries.

• Framework: EYFS
• Unit: EYFS Personal, Social & Emotional
• Learning area: Personal, Social and Emotional Development
• Level: EYFS 2-3

Objectives

• Expresses worries verbally or through drawing
• Uses worry monster independently
• Shows reduction in anxiety after use
• Normalises worry talk

Materials

• Worry monster toy or box
• Paper and crayons
• Worry book
• Cosy worry corner

Instructions

INTRODUCING THE MONSTER: 'This is our worry monster! He LOVES eating worries. If you have a worry, you can tell him or draw a picture, and he'll eat it all up! Then YOUR worry will be smaller.'

NORMALISING WORRIES: 'Everyone has worries sometimes. Even grown-ups worry. It's a normal feeling. But we don't have to keep our worries inside—we can give them to the worry monster!'

LISTENING TO WORRIES: When children share worries, take them seriously. Don't dismiss: 'That IS a big worry. Thank you for telling me. Shall we give it to the worry monster? And I'll help with it too.'

MAKING IT AVAILABLE: Keep the worry monster accessible. Children may use it spontaneously: during a thunderstorm, before a transition, when a parent leaves. 'The worry monster is here if you need him.'

More from EYFS Personal, Social & Emotional

• Small World Families
• Mud Kitchen Collaboration
• Getting Dressed Race
• Colour Monster Emotions
• Dolly Hospital
• Tidy-Up Time Teamwork
• Feelings Faces Painting
• Waiting Games