Norbert the Worry Wart: A Fun Way to Tackle Anxiety

Norbert is a Worry Wart. And he loves to show up (especially at bedtime) to list every single thing that could go wrong. 🙄 Sound familiar? Your kids—or the kids you work with—might not have a Norbert yet. But chances are... they’ve got worries. Big ones. Small ones. Sneaky ones. And that’s where Norbert comes in.

Why Give Worry a Name?

When kids give their anxiety a name, a face, and even a goofy voice, something amazing happens: Worry becomes easier to handle. Instead of feeling stuck in a swirl of scary thoughts, kids can say, “Oh, that’s just Norbert talking again.” That tiny shift helps kids:

• Feel less overwhelmed

• Talk about their feelings

• Take back control

  
  

Psychologists call it “externalizing.” We call it naming your Worry Wart.

How Kids Can Create Their Own Norbert

Here’s how to help kids turn their anxiety into a character they can talk to—and talk back to:

🖍️ 1. Draw It

Is it a spiky monster? A foggy blob? A buzzing bug in a bowtie? There are no wrong answers here! Just start sketching. Let their imagination run wild! 🎨

📝 2. Name It

Norbert’s taken—but your kid’s Worry Wart might be called Grumble, Zorp, or The Dread Pirate Doubts. The sillier, the better!

🗣️ 3. Give It a Voice

Does it squeak? Whisper? Shout in dramatic slow motion? Now try talking back: “Thanks for the warning, Worry Wart, but I’ve got this.” Empower them to stand up to their worries!

📚 4. Tell Its Story

Make worry a sidekick—not the star! Your child is the hero, and their worry gets smaller as they get braver. Every story needs a hero, right?

Norbert Wants Friends

If your kids (or students) make their own Worry Warts, we’d love to see them! Seriously—Norbert could use a crew. Snap a pic, send it our way, and let’s make worry a little less scary—and a whole lot sillier.

🚂 Want More Tools Like Norbert?

Check out Less Stress Express—full of fun, easy tools for families, classrooms, and anyone who works with kids. We’ve got versions for home, school, libraries, and more.

Let’s give kids the tools (and language!) they need to handle worry without letting it drive the train.

The Importance of Addressing Worries Early

It's crucial to address worries early on. Kids who learn to manage their anxiety can develop resilience. They’ll be better equipped to face challenges as they grow. This is where Norbert and his friends come in handy!

Building Emotional Intelligence

By creating characters like Norbert, kids can explore their feelings. They learn to express themselves in a safe and playful way. This builds emotional intelligence, which is essential for their overall development.

Encouraging Open Conversations

When kids name their worries, it opens the door for conversations. Parents and educators can engage in discussions about feelings. This helps kids feel understood and supported.

Fostering Creativity

Creating a Worry Wart encourages creativity. Kids can draw, write stories, and even act out scenarios. This not only helps them process their feelings but also sparks their imagination!

Making Learning Fun

Learning how to deal with anxiety doesn’t have to be boring. With Norbert, it becomes an adventure! Kids can turn their worries into fun stories, making the process enjoyable.

Conclusion: Embrace the Worry Warts!

So, let’s embrace our Worry Warts! They’re not just pesky little creatures; they’re opportunities for growth. With Norbert leading the way, kids can learn to tackle their worries head-on.

Let’s turn anxiety into creativity and fun! Together, we can help kids develop a love for reading and learning while fostering their emotional intelligence.

Join us on this journey, and let’s make worry a little less scary and a lot more silly!