Anxiety is a natural part of life, but sometimes the brain’s “protective” thoughts can feel overwhelming—especially for kids. In this short, engaging vlog, psychologist Matt Zakreski, PsyD, shares a fun and surprisingly effective strategy to help children (and adults!) manage anxious thoughts.
Using the example of the Disney-Pixar movie Luca, Matt introduces the idea of naming your anxious thoughts—giving them a voice, a name, or even a silly personality. This clever technique helps kids separate themselves from the anxious feelings and reduces the power anxiety has over them.
Matt explains:
- Why it’s helpful to acknowledge anxious thoughts rather than ignore them.
- How giving anxiety a name or voice makes it easier to argue with, rather than being overwhelmed by it.
- Creative ways to personalize the anxious voice, from playful characters like Darth Vader to humorous impressions that make anxiety feel less threatening.
This quick tip is a perfect tool for parents, educators, and caregivers to help kids feel more in control of their worries, turning a scary internal monologue into something they can laugh at, and manage.
With this technique, children learn that anxious thoughts are just “sound and fury”—not real threats, and they gain the confidence to respond rather than react.
Resources:
Join the Uniquely Bright LifeLab for expert tools, coaching, and community support to help your uniquely wired family thrive. → https://uniquelybrightlife.com/lifelab/
Take the Friction + Flow Assessment to discover where your family is thriving and where you can grow. → https://uniquelybrightlife.com/assessment/
Join the Uniquely Bright Newsletter for research-based insights on neurodivergent success. → https://uniquelybrightlife.com/newsletter
Take a listen.