A single-page illustrated iceberg poster sets out children’s anxiety in four clear layers: on the outside, under the surface, deeper down and deep impact. The top section shows what adults may notice first, such as worrying a lot, looking nervous, asking for reassurance, trying to seem okay and avoiding things that feel scary.
Beneath the waterline, the poster names the less visible experiences that can sit behind anxious behaviour. These include overthinking everything, hiding feelings away, needing things to be “just right”, being scared of making mistakes, expecting the worst, feeling tired from worrying, fearing things out of control and feeling unsafe even when things are okay.
The deeper sections focus on the emotional impact anxiety can have on children, including low self-esteem, believing negative thoughts about themselves, feeling alone or misunderstood, fearing judgement and not knowing what might help. The sea-themed illustrations make the ideas feel accessible and less clinical, which can be useful when a child finds direct conversations about worry difficult.
Parents, carers, school staff, social workers, counsellors and child therapists could use the printable in one-to-one sessions, wellbeing check-ins, family support work or classroom pastoral conversations. It can help adults reframe anxious behaviour as a sign of distress rather than defiance, while giving children language for feelings they may not yet be able to explain.
The closing message reminds adults that an anxious child is not trying to be difficult and needs understanding, support and patience. Created by Edita Stiborova, the poster is best suited to primary-aged children and younger secondary pupils who benefit from visual tools when exploring worries, fears and emotional overwhelm.
