Fill the Jars of Fear
Create and decorate several fear jars to hold written worries and brave action ideas, then practice coping strategies by picking one jar's slip daily.
Step-by-step guide to Fill the Jars of Fear
Step 1
Gather all your materials and bring them to a clean table.
Step 2
Decide how many jars you want to make.
Step 3
Choose a short purpose name for each jar like Worries Brave Actions or Calm Ideas.
Step 4
Wash and dry the jars so they are clean and safe to decorate.
Step 5
Write each jar’s name on a label or masking tape.
Step 6
Stick the correct label onto each jar.
Step 7
Decorate each jar using colouring materials stickers ribbons or buttons.
Step 8
Cut or tear paper into lots of small slips for writing.
Step 9
Write one worry or fear on each slip of paper.
Step 10
Drop each worry slip into the jar that matches that worry.
Step 11
Write one brave action idea on each separate slip of paper.
Step 12
Put each brave action slip into the jar labeled for brave actions.
Step 13
Each morning pick one slip from any jar you choose.
Step 14
Try the idea or coping strategy written on the slip for that day.
Step 15
Share your finished jar collection and how you used it on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have glass jars?
Use clean plastic containers (like yogurt tubs or baby food jars) or empty tin cans—just follow the 'Wash and dry the jars' step and attach a masking tape label so they're safe to decorate.
My labels or decorations keep falling off—how can we fix that?
Press masking tape labels firmly, cover them with clear packing tape or a thin layer of craft glue, and use stronger adhesives for stickers or ribbons so the 'Stick the correct label' and 'Decorate each jar' steps stay intact.
How can we adapt this activity for younger or older kids?
For younger children, use picture slips instead of written words during the 'Cut or tear paper' and 'Write one worry' steps, while older kids can write longer entries, add date-stamped brave actions, or create challenge-level slips to drop into the jars.
How can we extend or personalize the jars once they're finished?
Turn it into a 'Fear-to-Brave' project by color-coding jars and slips, adding a reward sticker system when a brave action is tried, and photographing the decorated jars and slips to 'Share your finished jar collection' on DIY.org.
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Facts about coping strategies for children
♻️ Turning old jars into craft projects teaches creativity and supports waste reduction.
🌿 A few minutes of mindful breathing each day can reduce anxiety and improve attention.
🎯 Choosing one small brave action daily builds confidence through steady, achievable steps.
🏺 Decorating a worry jar gives kids a tangible spot to place concerns, which boosts feelings of control.
🧠 Writing about worries helps the brain process feelings and can lower stress levels.
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