Worry-Shrinker
Lab
A guided program that helps you understand your worries — and shrink them down to size.
For curious, brave kids ages 6–11
What Is a Worry?
A worry is a thought that keeps coming back — usually about something that might happen or something that feels scary or hard.
Worries can feel really big inside your mind, even when they're about something small.
Worries can also show up in your body — like a tight tummy or a fast heartbeat.
Here's the good news: you can learn to understand your worries — and shrink them!
Notice the Signs
Sometimes your body tells you that you're worried before your brain does. Tap any signs you sometimes feel:
Name the Worry
What kind of worry is on your mind? Pick one (or more), or write your own:
Size the Worry
How big does this worry feel right now? Pick the size that feels most true:
Worry Detective
Let's look at this worry more carefully. Answer these questions like a detective checking the facts:
Is this thing happening right now?
Is there something you can do about it?
Would it help to talk to a grown-up about this?
Shrink the Worry Tools
These tools can help you feel calmer when a worry feels big. Try each one!
Slow Breathing
Breathe slowly to calm your body.
Squeeze & Release
Squeeze your hands tight, then let go.
Talk to a Safe Grown-Up
Sharing a worry makes it smaller.
Helpful Thought
Swap a big worry thought for a calmer one.
One Small Brave Step
Do one tiny thing — even if it feels scary.
Practice Scenes
Read each situation and choose which tool might help the most. There's no wrong answer!
Story Mode
Read these short stories about kids who used the Worry-Shrinker tools. See what they did!
Build My Worry Plan
Fill in your personal plan. You can come back to this whenever a worry shows up.
You Did It!
Amazing work finishing the Worry-Shrinker Lab!