How to Make a Worry Monster (Free Printable Template)

A worry monster is a simple idea that works well for a lot of children. Your child writes or draws a worry, "feeds" it to a friendly monster, and a grown-up reads it later. Worries that are hard to say out loud become easier to share, and you get a gentle way in to talk about them.

This guide shows you how to make a worry monster at home or in the classroom, how to use it day to day, and what to do with the worries your child shares. There's a free printable template below to get you started.

What is a worry monster?

A worry monster is a toy, box or craft with a mouth that "eats" worries. Children write or draw what's bothering them on a slip of paper and post it into the monster's mouth. Later, a grown-up takes the slips out, reads them, and finds a calm moment to talk.

It works because it takes some of the pressure off. Many children find it hard to start a conversation about something that's bothering them, especially at bedtime or when they're not sure the worry is "allowed". Posting it to a monster feels safer than saying it face to face, and it tells the child that worries are normal and can be shared.

You can buy plush worry monsters, but a homemade one works just as well. Children often feel more attached to a monster they've coloured and named themselves.

How to make a worry monster

What you need

• An empty tissue box (or a cereal box, shoebox or clean jar)
• The free worry monster template, or paper and pens to draw your own
• Glue, scissors and colouring pens or crayons
• Some worry slips, or small pieces of paper

Step 1: Colour in your monster

Print the monster template and let your child colour it however they like. There's no right way for a worry monster to look. Spots, stripes and rainbow fur are all fine.

Step 2: Cut it out and stick it on the box

Cut around the monster and glue it to the front of the tissue box so the mouth lines up with the opening. Cut out the mouth along the dashed line. If you're using a cereal box or shoebox, cut a slot about the width of an adult's hand. Grown-ups should do the cutting for younger children.

Step 3: Give it a name

Naming the monster makes it feel more like a friend. Some families name it after a favourite character; others go for something silly. The name can go on the template.

Step 4: Agree how it works

Explain that the monster loves eating worries, and that you'll check it and talk about anything inside. Agree when that happens, for example after school or before bath time. Keep a few worry slips and a pencil next to the monster.

Making a worry box instead

A worry box works the same way, without the monster. Decorate a shoebox or tub with a slot in the lid, and post worries inside. Worry boxes can suit older children who think monsters are "for little kids", and they're popular in classrooms, where a teacher or teaching assistant checks the box each day.

A worry jar is another option: children drop folded worries into a jar, and you look at them together at the end of the week. Seeing a jar of old worries that have already been sorted out can help children notice that worries often pass.

How to use a worry monster day to day

• Keep it private but easy to reach. A bedroom shelf works well. In school, somewhere children can reach without being watched.
• Check it when your child isn't around. Part of the point is that they don't have to say the worry out loud first.
• Bring worries up gently. Something like "The monster told me you've been thinking about the school trip. Do you want to tell me more?" keeps the tone light.
• Let little ones draw. Children who can't write yet can draw their worry, or circle one of the feelings creatures on the worry slips.
• Don't push. If your child doesn't want to talk about a worry straight away, that's okay. Let them know you're there when they're ready.

What to do with the worries your child shares

How you respond matters more than the monster itself. A few things help:

1. Thank them for sharing. Telling someone is the brave part.
2. Stay calm. Even if the worry surprises you, your calm helps them feel safe.
3. Name the feeling. "It sounds like you felt nervous about reading out loud. That's a hard feeling."
4. Listen before fixing. Saying "don't worry" can make children feel unheard. Listen first, then work out a plan together if one is needed.
5. Follow up. If you agreed a plan, check in a few days later to see how it went.

Some worries just need to be heard. Others need action, such as a quiet word with their teacher about a friendship problem. Occasionally a worry will be about something serious, such as someone hurting them. If that happens, stay calm, thank them, and follow your school's or local authority's safeguarding advice, or contact the NSPCC helpline for guidance.

Other ways to help with everyday worries

• Worry time: set aside 10 minutes at the same time each day to talk about worries, so they don't take over bedtime.
• Slow breathing: breathe in while you count to four, and out while you count to six. Practise when your child is calm so it's easier to use when they're not. Our guide to calming breathing exercises for kids has more ideas.
• A calm space: a corner with cushions, a few books and some sensory toys gives children somewhere to settle. See our calm down corner ideas.
• Stories: picture books about feelings help children see that worries are normal and that other people feel them too.

When to look for more support

Worry is a normal part of growing up. But if worries are stopping your child sleeping, eating, going to school or seeing friends, or seem to be getting worse over a few weeks, talk to your GP or your child's school. In the UK, YoungMinds runs a free Parents Helpline for advice about a child's mental health.

Worry monster FAQs

What age is a worry monster for?

Worry monsters work best for children aged about 3 to 9. Younger children can draw their worries or point to a feelings face. Older children may prefer a worry box or journal, which works the same way.

Does a worry monster actually work?

It isn't a treatment, but it is a practical way to help children share worries and to start conversations. What makes the difference is a grown-up who reads the worries and responds calmly.

How do you make a worry monster out of a tissue box?

Colour in a monster face, cut it out, and glue it to the front of an empty tissue box so the mouth sits over the opening. Cut out the mouth, give the monster a name, and keep worry slips and a pencil nearby.

What should I do if my child writes something worrying?

Stay calm, thank them for telling you, and talk to them gently. If the worry suggests they may be at risk of harm, follow safeguarding advice from their school or the NSPCC. For ongoing anxiety, speak to your GP.

This article is general information for parents and educators, not medical advice. If you're worried about your child's mental health, please speak to your GP or a qualified professional.