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49 Phrases to Calm an Anxious Child

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How to Calm Anxious Child

49 Phrases to Calm an Anxious Child

November 20, 2018 by Renee Jain

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The following story, written by Renee Jain, was originally published on GoZen.

It happens to every child in one form or another — anxiety. As parents, we would like to shield our children from life's anxious moments, but navigating anxiety is an essential life skill that will serve them in the years to come. In the heat of the moment, try these simple phrases to help your children identify, accept, and work through their anxious moments.

“Can you draw it?”

"I love you. You are safe."

"Let's pretend we're blowing up a giant balloon. We'll take a deep breath and blow it up to the count of 5."

"I will say something and I want you to say it exactly as I do: 'I can do this.'" Do this 10 times at variable volume.

"Why do you think that is?"

"What will happen next?"

"We are an unstoppable team."

Have a battle cry: "I am a warrior!"; "I am unstoppable!"; or "Look out World, here I come!"

"If how you feel was a monster, what would it look like?"

"I can't wait until _____."

"Let's put your worry down while we (listen to your favorite song, read this story). Then we'll pick it back up again."

"This feeling will go away. Let's get comfortable until it does."

"Let's learn more about it."

"Let's count _____."

"I need you to tell me when 2 minutes have gone by."

"Close your eyes. Picture this . . ."

"I get scared/nervous/anxious sometimes too. It's no fun."

"Let's pull out our calm-down checklist."

"You are not alone in how you feel."

"Tell me the worst thing that could possibly happen."

"Worrying is helpful, sometimes."

"What does your thought bubble say?"

"Let's find some evidence."

"Let's have a debate."

"What is the first piece we need to worry about?"

"Let's list all of the people you love."

"Remember when . . ."

"I am proud of you already."

“We’re going for a walk."

"Let's watch your thought pass by."

"I'm taking a deep breath."

"How can I help?"

"This feeling will pass."

"Let's squeeze this stress ball together."

"I see Widdle is worried again. Let's teach Widdle not to worry."

"I know this is hard."

"I have your smell buddy right here."

"Tell me about it."

“You are so brave!”

"Which calming strategy do you want to use right now?"

"We'll get through this together."

"What else do you know about (scary thing)?"

"Let's go to your happy place."

"What do you need from me?"

"If you gave your feeling a color, what would it be?"

"Let me hold you."

"Remember when you made it through XYZ?"

"Help me move this wall."

"Let's write a new story."

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