5 ways to use reading to help anxiety in kids: Includes FREE friendship bookmarks

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Anxiety in kids seems to be a real problem today; recent research from The BookTrust, the UK’s biggest kids reading charity, suggests that as many as 60% of kids aged 8-11 feel stressed, sad or worried at least once a month.

Our fast-paced world; full of screens, and social media is taking its toll, and it is increasingly important to help our kids to find coping mechanisms and ways to relax. Alongside this, nearly 40% of children this age find it hard to talk about their feelings. Kids anxiety comes in many shapes and forms; my own experience as a parent has shown me that even the confident, sporty child, can be worried about friendships, food, and even what people think about them. It is so important to give your kids the time and the space to help them share their fears with you.

Reading is an important way to achieve this, so read on both for help on kids’ anxiety and to discover how printable friendship bookmarks can save you time and effort as a parent or teacher.

How to use reading to help anxiety in kids

As parents, anxiety in kids can be difficult to tackle, so here are some ideas for helping to talk to our kids about tough subjects. Let’s get them to open up and use reading as an important aid to sharing their emotions. Printable bookmarks can be a fun addition to your reading nook, and for added convenience and quality, you can print them at home or at a local print shop.

1. Add reading time to your routines

Setting aside a specific time to read with your children, as part of your daily routine, can really help them to feel safe and secure. This can offer them a suitable time for them to raise any concerns that they may have with you.

Giveing your kids this space to chat and read with you as part of your positive bedtime routine, should also give you the added benefit that your kids won’t suddenly decide to tell you EVERYTHING five minutes before they are due to go to sleep *which is usually what happens in our house* 😂.

2. Create a reading nook for you and your kids

When you set aside the time to read, it’s important to also think about the SPACE you are reading in as well. Make it comfortable, welcoming and easily accessible to your kids, any time of day. You might want to read as part of the routine with them, but if you provide a space with a selection of books, that’s cosy and cute, your kids are much more likely to read on their own. Providing a good reading nook within your kids bedrooms can do wonders for your kids reading habits, as well as helping to ease their worries. It provides a safe place for them to retreat; to think and chill. Using printable bookmarks with decorated or trimmed edges can also enhance the appearance of the reading nook and make the reading experience feel more special for kids.

Our reading space quickly became the place I would always find my kids when the house suddenly went eerily quiet…. No bad thing of course, as usually with kids, when it goes quiet, you know you could very well be in serious trouble. 😆

3. Use the stories to help them share

There are some AMAZING books out there that tackle anxiety in kids. Books about specific issues; such as school anxiety, or general ones which discuss worrying and how to help manage anxious thoughts.

One of our favourite books is Wilma Jean the Worry Machine by Julia Cook.

In addition, we also have our wellbeing book club which offers 18 suggestions for books over the course of 18 weeks to help and support kids mental health and wellbeing. Why not check it out too?

The above is a fabulously illustrated picture book, which takes a wonderfully light-hearted look at worries and anxiety in kids. It is adept at using humour to help kids to understand what it happening to them, and develop ways to cope with those worrying thoughts in their head. It also offers help for parents and teachers too in reducing the severity of childhood anxiety.

Having books like this one on your shelf makes it easier for kids to understand their intrusive and anxious thoughts, and gives you the perfect opportunity to share and chat to your kids about them. Sometimes dealing with anxiety is as simple as creating a good space and time for your kids to talk.

4. Make reading their friend; highlighting the importance of friendships in sharing

Using all of the above strategies, should help your children to realise that reading can become their “friend” when they are tackling their anxieties. It is safe. It makes them feel secure. It helps them chill. And it enables them to discuss things with you. Friendship is an important tool in the battle against childhood anxiety. Helping kids to understand the importance of reading as their friend, and the need for them to be a friend and develop good friendships in their lives will also help ease their anxieties.

In addition, friendship worries can even become of source of anxiety for our kids. Anything that raises the topic, and helps them share thoughts, increasing their understanding of how to be a good friend, and to develop healthy friendships is an excellent way of helping the anxious.

We have developed some friendship bookmarks to use while you are reading with your kids – just to keep your place within the book to help highlight the importance of being a good friend, and having strong friendships. These printable bookmarks are available as downloadable files, so you can easily access and print them at home. After purchase, you will receive a download link on the site to access your files. Simply click the download button to get your printable bookmarks. In some cases, you may need to enter your email address to receive the download link. If any bookmarks require purchase, payment must be completed before the download link and files are delivered. Some of these printable bookmarks are based on unique and cute animal friendships, making them both heartwarming and original. The bookmarks showcase best friends, emphasizing the special bond and companionship between different animals. There are also black and white versions available, so kids can color in the white spaces as part of their Friendship Day activities.

Why not use them to discuss friendship worries, and to emphasise how important reading is in sharing their feelings with you and others? BookTrust has an excellent reading list for kids about friendship, which is a great place to start. In particular, the book Ruby’s Worry is an excellent way to show that “a problem shared is a problem halved.”

5. Set up a worry tree

Sharing worries after, and during reading is a wonderful idea, but sometimes kids what to DO something with those worries. Once you have sat down with them and chatted to them about their anxieties – why not “get rid of those worries” by writing them down and placing them in a printable worry tree?

Once your children have chatted about their anxieties through the books you read with them, and the special reading time you have added to their routine, pop those worries on an apple, and place them into the tree. This way kids have “dealt with” their worries. Both the act of sharing, and writing them down, can really, really help your kids to let those worries go.

Try it and see! 😀

If the kids like the worry tree, and it helps them – we do have some other wonderful ideas and activities for helping kids with their worries. How about trying mindfulness as a parent, or even a bit of mindful coloring for yourself and your kids together? This is another wonderful way for you to bond with your children while doing an activity you both enjoy.

Using bookmarks to enhance the reading experience

Adding bookmarks to your reading routine is a simple yet powerful way to make reading even more special for kids and adults. Printable friendship bookmarks, in particular, bring a burst of color, creativity, and connection to every page you turn. Whether you’re marking your place in your favorite book or sharing a smile with a friend, these bookmarks are a perfect companion for any reader

For kids, bookmarks to color are a fantastic way to get excited about reading. Imagine your child picking out a bookmark with funny food themed quotes or adorable animal designs, then coloring it in with their favorite shades. Not only does this spark creativity, but it also gives them a sense of ownership over their reading journey. Every time they open their book, they’ll see their own artwork and a friendly reminder of the joy that comes from reading and friendship.

Printable friendship bookmarks aren’t just practical: they’re also a wonderful way to celebrate kindness and connection. Kids can swap bookmarks with friends, use them as a gift for a best friend, or even start a mini bookmark exchange in class. Teachers and parents can use these bookmarks to encourage sharing, recommend new books, or reward students for reaching reading milestones. It’s a fun, free way to build a sense of community and make every child feel included.

Don’t forget, bookmarks make thoughtful gifts for book lovers of all ages. Print out a set of free printable bookmarks, add a personal message or a favorite quote, and you have a unique gift that shows you care. You can even use bookmarks as creative gift tags for book-themed presents, making your gift extra special.

To make your bookmarks last, try printing them on sturdy card stock and laminating them. This helps them stand up to lots of page-turning and travel between home, school, and the library. Let your child help with the cutting and coloring. This is a great way to spend time together and makes the bookmark a little more meaningful too.

In the classroom, printable friendship bookmarks can be a tool for building social skills and encouraging positive interactions. Use them to start conversations about favorite books, kindness, and what it means to be a good friend. Kids love collecting different designs, and it’s a great way to celebrate reading together as a class.

With so many designs, quotes, and coloring pages to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect bookmark for every reader. Download your favorite free printable bookmarks, print them out, and start spreading a little extra joy and friendship with every book you read.

It’s an easy, creative way to make reading time even more memorable: so why not give it a try and see how a simple bookmark can make a big difference?

Overcoming reading challenges

Reading can sometimes feel like a big mountain to climb, especially for kids who struggle with focus, motivation, or confidence. But with a little creativity and the right tools, you may be able to turn reading time into something your child looks forward to every day. One of our favorite ways to add a spark of joy to reading is with these printable friendship bookmarks. These aren’t just any bookmarks: they’re designed to celebrate friendship, kindness, and the fun of sharing stories with friends.

These printable friendship bookmarks do come in all sorts of designs, from funny food themed quotes that make kids giggle, to bookmarks to color that let your child’s creativity shine. Letting kids color their own bookmarks is a wonderful way to help them take ownership of their reading journey as well. They can pick their favorite colors, add their name, or even draw a picture of their best friend. When they open their favorite book, they’ll see a little reminder of friendship and fun, making reading feel a little more personal and inviting.

For adults, these free printable bookmarks could be a simpler way to add a touch of personality to their reading routine. Whether you love a witty quote, a splash of color, or a design that makes you smile, there’s a bookmark out there for you. Printable friendship bookmarks also make a thoughtful gift: just print, cut, and share with a friend, student, or loved one. It’s a small gesture that can bring a lot of joy and show someone you care about their love of books.

Teachers can use printable friendship bookmarks in the classroom to encourage both reading and positive social skills. Handing out bookmarks with uplifting quotes or fun designs can motivate students to read more and celebrate their progress. You can even use bookmarks as rewards for reaching reading milestones, or as part of a classroom kindness campaign. Kids love collecting different designs, and it’s a great way to build a sense of community and friendship in your class.

In the end, overcoming reading challenges is all about making reading feel accessible, enjoyable, and meaningful. Printable friendship bookmarks are a free, easy way to add a little extra magic to every book your child opens. With so many designs and ideas to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect set to print, color, and share. So go ahead, download your favorite bookmarks, grab your coloring pages, and start spreading a little kindness and joy, one book (or bookmark) at a time.

As always, it is a pleasure having you with us on the site. Do check out the other articles we have on reading and kids anxiety too:

• Download our reading certificates for your kids, so encourage them to read EVEN MORE on their own, as well as with you, with these free ebooks for kids
• We also have bronze, silver and gold reading certificates for you to print out too,
• To help motivate kids to reading, we have some free reading worksheets, and finally
• Why not pop some posters encouraging reading into your reading corner? Every little helps!

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