As parents and educators, we want our children to feel safe, confident, and happy. Yet, we also know that worry is a natural part of growing up. A 2023 Harris Poll found that 86% of children experience worry, with concerns about friendships, bullying, and self-image ranking high.
While we cannot shield children from stress, we can help them develop the tools to navigate their worries in healthy ways.
What Are Kids Worried About?
The Harris Poll provides some important insights:
86% of children report worrying.
Over half of kids (ages 9-13) worry about being bullied.
67% of worried children turn to their parents for advice or support.
School and friendships are the most commonly cited worries, but children most frequently worry about their appearance and being bullied.
At Heilicher, we see this spectrum of worries every day. Some students stress about forgetting their boots for recess or who they will sit with at lunch. Others have deeper concerns — about friendships, social acceptance, or academic pressures. Every child experiences their environment differently, and part of our role is to help them develop resilience in the face of these challenges.
How Parents Can Help
You don’t need to have all the answers — but being present and supportive makes a world of difference. Here are a few strategies that can help:
✔ Listen without immediately trying to solve the problem.
Encourage your child to talk to you, a grandparent, teacher, or another trusted adult. Sometimes, being heard is enough to ease their anxiety.
✔ Encourage creative outlets.
Studies show that 90% of children feel better after engaging in creative activities like drawing, playing music, or dancing.
✔ Be mindful of your own worries.
Children pick up on adult stress. We’ve seen how parental anxiety — especially about current events — can trickle down into students’ concerns. Being aware of this can help create a more reassuring home environment.
How We Support Students at Heilicher
At Heilicher, we take a proactive approach to social-emotional learning. We create space for authentic conversations and teach students to express their thoughts with respect and empathy. Through structured programs like Town Hall and Second Step, we equip students with essential life skills, including conflict resolution and critical thinking.
Becka Steinberg, second-grade general studies teacher, incorporates the Second Step curriculum, which uses the acronym STEP to guide students in problem-solving:
S – Say the problem without blaming.
T – Think of possible solutions.
E – Evaluate the consequences of each solution (positive and negative).
P – Pick the best solution.
“I think the most valuable step is getting kids to say the problem without blaming,” says Becka. “This is an important skill that we can easily apply throughout the school day.”
Mollie Divine, middle school math teacher, also emphasizes the importance of structured conversations: “Town Hall fosters a strong middle school community and school spirit, while OWL (Our Whole Lives) provides a space for students to engage in meaningful discussions that will serve them well into the future.”
A Strong Support System for Every Student
At Heilicher, we recognize that growth comes not from avoiding challenges, but from learning how to face them with confidence and support. By fostering a culture of resilience, empathy, and community, we ensure that every child has the tools to navigate life’s uncertainties. Through meaningful conversations, structured programs, and a steadfast commitment to social-emotional learning, we empower our students to develop both the skills and the self-assurance they need to thrive — not just in school, but in life.