The Worry Tiger: A Magical Mindfulness Story to Soothe, Comfort and Calm
What’s inside...
The Worry Tiger: A Magical Mindfulness Story to Soothe, Comfort and Calm by Alexandra Page is a children's book that addresses the common issue of anxiety and worry among kids. Through a captivating narrative, the book introduces the concept of a 'Worry Tiger,' a metaphorical creature that represents the child's fears and anxieties. The story follows a young protagonist who encounters the Worry Tiger and learns various mindfulness techniques to cope with and calm their worries. As the child practices these techniques, they gain confidence and learn to manage their emotions better. The book aims to teach children that, while worries are normal, they have the power to control them through mindfulness and self-soothing strategies. It's a therapeutic tale that offers comfort to children dealing with anxiety and provides parents and educators with a tool to discuss emotional regulation with kids.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did the Worry Tiger look like in your imagination?
How did the characters in the story deal with their worries?
Can you think of a time when you felt like the characters did?
What could you do if the Worry Tiger visits you?
How do you think mindfulness helps with worries?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings by relating personal experiences to those of the characters.
Use a calm and gentle tone to make your child feel safe discussing their worries.
Praise your child’s responses to instill confidence in expressing their emotions.
After reading, practice a mindfulness exercise mentioned in the book together to reinforce the techniques.
Link discussions to personal growth, emphasizing how understanding their feelings can help them cope better.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and managing emotions
Explanation: The story portrays a child learning to handle anxiety with the help of a mystical Worry Tiger, illustrating techniques for mindfulness and calming oneself.
Real-World Application: Children can use deep breathing or visualization methods they read about in the story whenever they feel overwhelmed or anxious.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards others
Explanation: Through the protagonist's interactions with the Worry Tiger, the book exemplifies how recognizing and respecting others' feelings can be soothing and beneficial.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to notice when peers are stressed or upset and can offer support or a listening ear, mirroring the protagonist's actions.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: The Worry Tiger teaches the child that it is okay to have worries, and that overcoming them is part of growing up.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that it is normal to face difficulties and that they possess the strength to overcome them, fostering a growth mindset.