A note for grown-ups

This game takes about 10 minutes. Play it together the first time. Tap the round purple button to hear any line again.

What it teaches

  • Body clues. Worry shows up in the body: a fast heart, butterflies, shaky hands, fast breathing, and a hot face.
  • Why it happens. "Hoot the Alarm Owl" stands in for the brain's alarm system, the amygdala. It gets the body ready to run from danger. It also goes off for things that are only new.
  • Calm tricks. Belly breathing, squeeze and release, the butterfly hug, and telling a grown-up.
  • It's normal. Everyone feels worried sometimes, grown-ups included.

Ways to use it after the game

  • Use the same words at home. For example: "Is your Hoot ringing right now?"
  • Practice the calm tricks when she is already calm. Then they are easier to use when she is upset.
  • Name the feeling before you try to fix it. For example: "Your tummy has butterflies. That makes sense. School is new."

When to ask for help

Some worry is normal. Talk to her pediatrician if worry gets in the way of sleep, school, or play for several weeks. Also talk to them if it causes a lot of stomach aches or headaches.