Worry Time: A Step-By-Step Guide

A Step-by-Step guide to introducing Worry Time to children and teens.

Worry Time is a common strategy used in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help children to let go of worries that we cannot do anything about.

It is about giving children the time and space to actively worry about their worries as a way of keeping worries boundaried.

Worrying can take up lots of time in our day and stop us from doing things that we want to do.

Worry Time is a specific time each day for you to worry. This means that you can worry less throughout the day and let worries go knowing that you will be coming back to them later on.

How could this resource be used?

To support children with keeping their worries boundaried.
To support children and teens with letting go of their worries about things we cannot control or change.
To support practitioners, such as TIS, ELSAs, CWPs and EMHPs in their 1:1 role.

Relevant Curriculum Links

England PSHE Statutory Curriculum Strands:

KS1: H19 – to recognise when they need help with feelings; that it is important to ask for help with feelings; and how to ask for it.
KS2: H18 – about everyday things that affect feelings and the importance of expressing feelings.
KS2: H20. strategies to respond to feelings, including intense or conflicting feelings; how to manage and respond to feelings appropriately and proportionately in different situations.
KS2: H21. to recognise warning signs about mental health and wellbeing and how to seek support for themselves and others

Scottish Health and Wellbeing Curriculum Outcome(s):

I know that we all experience a variety of thoughts and emotions that affect how we feel and behave and I am learning ways of managing them. HWB 0-02a / HWB 1-02a / HWB 2-02a / HWB 3-02a / HWB 4-02a.
I understand that there are people I can talk to and that there are a number of ways in which I can gain access to practical and emotional support to help me and others in a range of circumstances. HWB 0-03a / HWB 1-03a / HWB 2-03a / HWB 3-03a / HWB 4-03a.
I understand that my feelings and reactions can change depending upon what is happening within and around me. This helps me to understand my own behaviour and the way others behave. HWB 0-04a / HWB 1-04a / HWB 2-04a / HWB 3-04a / HWB 4-04a.
I understand the importance of mental wellbeing and that this can be fostered and strengthened through personal coping skills and positive relationships. I know that it is not always possible to enjoy good mental health and that if this happens there is support available. HWB 0-06a / HWB 1-06a / HWB 2-06a / HWB 3-06a / HWB 4-06a.