Truth Cards
Names what's true when a big feeling is telling a different story.
“This will not last forever! All storms run out of rain.”
At home
Read one out loud in the middle of the storm — no explaining required.
← Parent Corner
Worry & Anxiety
Worry doesn't usually start with words. It starts with a tight chest. A stomach that suddenly hurts. A child who says, "I don't know," because they truly don't. Before we try to solve the worry, we can help the body feel safe. Then we give those big feelings somewhere to go.
What helps
Start with the body
A worried body can't always think clearly. Before talking about the worry, notice what your child's nervous system needs most.
If they need to settle...
- Blow the biggest bubble you can without popping it. Long exhales help calm the body.
- Trace five finger breaths together.
- Plant both feet on the floor and notice five things you can see.
- Hold a favorite stuffed animal or wrap up in a cozy blanket.
- Avoid rushing to reassure. A body in alarm may not be ready to hear it yet.
If they need to move...
- Push against a wall as hard as you can.
- Hop like a frog across the room.
- Dance to a favorite song.
- Run a lap outside.
- Carry something heavy, like a basket of laundry or a stack of books.
- Stretch, shake, or stomp until your body starts to feel different.
When they're ready to talk
Once the body feels safer, children are much more able to understand and express what they're feeling.
Ideas for conversation:
- Draw the worry instead of describing it.
- Ask where they felt it in their body.
- Wonder together what their body was trying to protect.
- Think of one brave step that's small enough to try today.
- Remember another time they felt scared and made it through.
Words you can borrow
You don't have to say the perfect thing. Your calm presence matters more than perfect words.
"I know this feels really big right now."
"This feeling won't last forever. We'll get through it together."
"Can you notice where you're feeling it in your body?"
"Your body is working hard to protect you. Let's help it feel safe again."
"Let's take one slow breath together."
"We don't have to figure everything out right now."
The cards that help here
Inside the Power Card Deck are four kinds of cards. These are the ones families reach for with this topic.
Truth cards
Short, true sentences to read out loud when the worry is loudest.
“This will not last forever! All storms run out of rain.”
Power Plan cards
Tick-box cards that turn a scared moment into a plan the child already made.
“When I feel scared or unsafe, I can… take a breath and plant my feet.”
More on this from the blog
If you'd like something to hold onto
When you've worked through a hard moment together, these cards help continue the conversation — one card, one step, whenever your child needs it.
Remember Cards
Gives a child something steady to hold on to about who they are.
“You're still you. Even after what happened. Still worthy. Still magic.”
At home
Leave one on a pillow, in a lunchbox, or read it at bedtime.
Voice Cards
Gives them the words when speaking up feels impossible.
“Words to try when something doesn't feel okay.”
At home
Practise the line together before the moment it's needed.
Power Plan Cards
Turns a hard moment into one small, doable next step.
“One step you can take today — small counts.”
At home
Use it after the feeling settles, when the body is ready to think.
Release Cards
Moves the feeling out of the body through the hands.
“Draw the anger. Scratch, scribble, cover the whole space. Then tear it.”
At home
Hands-on and physical — drawing, tearing, folding, letting go.
Want to go deeper with creative tools?
Children often can't say what's wrong — but they can draw it, scribble it, fold it, or tear it up. Creative journaling gives feelings a place to go that doesn't depend on finding the right words.
A prompt to try today
"Draw what today felt like. You don't have to explain it — just put it on the page."