8 tools to help children cope with anxiety

From toys, books, and letters, to apps and meditation tools, here are a few resources we think you’ll love...

Magni Rings, Amazon, £4

MAGNI RINGS

The newest fidget toy on the market is this set of three spinning rings lined with super-strong rare earth magnets that you can spin, flip, play, trick, and stick. Kids will love watching YouTube tutorials to learn how to perform tricks.

They can be effectively used by children with anxiety as a distraction whenever they feel overwhelmed.

Pocket Dolls, etsy.com/uk/shop/RewsApothecary, £24

POCKET DOLLS

These dolls - small enough to fit in a pocket or pencil case as a secret friend - are specifically designed to support children with anxiety.

Each doll comes with an essential oil which can be used on the child’s pulse points or directly on the doll itself to provide comfort.

Magical Fairy Letters, internationalelfservice.com, £4.95

MAGICAL FAIRY LETTERS

The International Elf Service is a unique letter writing resource that provides bespoke fairy letters to help children cope with anxious times.

Each letter contains special advice to help a child cope with their anxieties, and topics include: ‘The worry blaster,’ ‘The bad dream chaser,’ ‘Secrets & trust,’ and ‘Missing a loved one.’

EMOTIONS TOOLKIT

This resource helps children develop the skills they need to regulate their emotions and build resilience.

Young children learn how the characters in a short story deal with challenging emotions, whilst older children discover simple neuroscience. Children also learn how mindfulness and breathing techniques can help them feel more calm and self-confident.

Available on emotionstoolkit.com, £45

THE INVISIBLE STRING, BY PATRICE KARST & JOANNE LEW-VRIETHOFF

This book - which has sold more than 400,000 copies worldwide - was recommended to parent Katy Whitelaw after her daughter was affected by separation anxiety.

“This is a lovely comforting story about a pair of twins who want to be with their mum, and she reassures them that even when they are not together, she is always with them through the ‘invisible string’ which connects them,” says Katy.

Available from Amazon, £7.59

ZAPPY CELLS MEDITATION

This free meditation tool has been designed specifically for children by renowned therapist Marissa Peer.

This unique video uses a child’s imagination to help them overcome any anxiety related to health, immunity, and hygiene. It can be an effective resource for children who have developed anxiety during the pandemic.

Meditation is proven to help children reduce anxiety, boost emotional and physical health, and improve sleep.

Free from marisapeer.com/zappy-cells

POSITIVE PANTS

Positive Pants have been created to help children start their day with a positive mindset.

Positive Pants also run workshops to help children understand ways to manage their wellbeing using crafts and exercises to promote positivity.

Available from positivepants.co.uk, £7.99 each or 3 for £20

MYCOGNITION ED

This NHS-approved app takes the form of a fun training game (AquaSnap), and is designed to help children improve their mental resilience.

It is clinically validated and currently used in 50 UK schools. Data can be confidentially collected and monitored, making it an effective tool for early interventions. Just 15 minutes a day can optimise a child’s cognitive health, mental wellbeing, and resilience to stress, improving behaviour and academic potential.

Available on Apple and Android