About
Description: Magic Worry Jar is an engaging and therapeutic game designed to help children manage their worries and anxieties. In this game, kids visit Leona, the worry wizard, in her enchanting shop filled with an array of colorful jars. Each child selects a jar to serve as their personal worry container. They then write down their worries on virtual tickets and place them into their chosen jar. With a quick spell from Leona, the jar is sealed, symbolically containing their worries. Additionally, children have the option to use a magical worry wand to make their worries disappear completely, representing a symbolic release of their anxieties.
This game leverages the therapeutic intervention of worry jars, providing children with a creative and effective way to express and manage their concerns. It helps in developing coping mechanisms, enhancing emotional regulation, and reducing overall anxiety in a supportive and playful environment.
Ages: 4-8
Themes: Anxiety reduction, Emotional regulation, Self-awareness, Coping strategies, Mindfulness
Using Magic Worry Jar in Session
Begin by introducing the child to the concept of a worry jar. Explain that it’s a special place where they can safely store their worries, helping them feel lighter and more relaxed. Use simple, reassuring language to ensure the child feels comfortable with the idea.
Choosing a Jar
Allow the child to explore the various colorful jars in Leona’s shop. Encourage them to take their time and choose a jar that they feel a connection with. This choice helps personalize the experience, making it more meaningful for the child.
Writing Worries
Once the child has selected a jar, facilitate the process of identifying and writing down their worries. Use open-ended questions to help the child articulate their feelings. For example, ask, "Can you tell me about something that’s been on your mind?" or "What is something that has been making you feel uneasy?" Provide support and reassurance, emphasizing that all worries, big or small, are valid.
Once the worry is written, press the check mark to enter it into the jar.
Sealing the Jar
The child can add up to 4 total worries in their jar. At any time, they can tap on the cork to magically seal the jar. Leona will assist with a spell that securely contains the worries inside the jar. This step is crucial as it symbolizes the containment of their worries, providing a sense of relief and control. Encourage the child to observe how it feels to see their worries safely sealed away.
Next Steps
At this point, once the worry jar is sealed, the child's worries are symbolically locked away. There are a few options on how to proceed.
-With the jar sealed, the child can proceed with the rest of their day with no worries
-You can exit the game and revisit the worry jar the following session to see if the worries still remain for the child
-You can Download the magic worry jar using the button on the right tool bar. This downloads a PDF version that can be printed or sent electronically with the child. The child will be able to revisit the worries at an agreed upon time later in the day or week.
-At any moment, the child can click into the ticket and can either edit their worry, delete, close out of it, or use the Worry Wand to make a specific worry disappear.
The Worry Wand
If the child chooses, they can use the worry wand to make their worries disappear entirely. Explain that this is a symbolic action, representing their ability to let go of worries that are no longer troubling them. This can be a powerful and empowering moment for the child, reinforcing their sense of agency over their feelings. Throughout the game, maintain an open dialogue with the child. Ask them how they’re feeling at each stage and provide gentle prompts to encourage deeper reflection. For instance, "How do you feel now that your worries are in the jar?" or "What does it feel like to make a worry disappear?" Use these discussions to validate the child’s emotions and provide support.
The child can proceed with clearing their worry jar until all the worries are gone! They can start over with a new jar or revisit Leona to choose a new one.
Related Resources
In the Hopscotch Play Print section, you will find a PDF titled My Magic worry Jar. With this worksheet, the child has a take-home version of a magic worry jar that they can use whenever worries and anxieties appear.
About
Description: Magic Worry Jar is an engaging and therapeutic game designed to help children manage their worries and anxieties. In this game, kids visit Leona, the worry wizard, in her enchanting shop filled with an array of colorful jars. Each child selects a jar to serve as their personal worry container. They then write down their worries on virtual tickets and place them into their chosen jar. With a quick spell from Leona, the jar is sealed, symbolically containing their worries. Additionally, children have the option to use a magical worry wand to make their worries disappear completely, representing a symbolic release of their anxieties.
This game leverages the therapeutic intervention of worry jars, providing children with a creative and effective way to express and manage their concerns. It helps in developing coping mechanisms, enhancing emotional regulation, and reducing overall anxiety in a supportive and playful environment.
Ages: 4-8
Themes: Anxiety reduction, Emotional regulation, Self-awareness, Coping strategies, Mindfulness
Allow the child to explore the various colorful jars in Leona’s shop. Encourage them to take their time and choose a jar that they feel a connection with. This choice helps personalize the experience, making it more meaningful for the child.
Once the worry is written, press the check mark to enter it into the jar.
-With the jar sealed, the child can proceed with the rest of their day with no worries
The Worry Wand
Related Resources
In the Hopscotch Play Print section, you will find a PDF titled My Magic worry Jar. With this worksheet, the child has a take-home version of a magic worry jar that they can use whenever worries and anxieties appear.