The Worry Balloon Bedtime Story
A calming hypnotic bedtime story for anxious children
This gentle bedtime story has been created to help anxious or over-thinking children feel safe, soothed, and ready for sleep.
Using imagination, slow breathing, and a soft storytelling style, The Worry Balloon Bedtime Story guides children to place their worries into colourful balloons and gently blow them away with long, calming breaths — allowing the body and mind to settle naturally.
This is not about forcing sleep or “fixing” worries.
Instead, it teaches children a kind and empowering way to let worries drift away when it’s time to rest.
What this story supports
This bedtime story is especially helpful for children who:
Feel anxious at bedtime
Struggle with racing thoughts or worries
Find it hard to switch off and relax
Are sensitive, imaginative, or emotionally aware
Experience big feelings at night
It is suitable for most children and can be especially supportive for neurodivergent children, including those with anxiety, autism, or ADHD traits.
How it works
The story gently weaves together:
A calming induction-style opening to help the body relax
Simple belly breathing using balloon imagery
A longer, slower out-breath to soothe the nervous system
Visualisation that helps worries feel lighter and further away
A soft winding-down section that leads naturally into sleep
Children are encouraged to blow away as many worry balloons as they need — and are reassured that they can keep doing this until they drift off.
What’s included
A beautifully written bedtime story script
Parent-friendly reading guidance, with gentle tips in brackets
(e.g. when to slow down, soften your voice, or use a downward tone)An explanation of balloon breathing and belly breathing
Simple guidance on how and when to use the story
This product is provided as a PDF digital download so it can be read from a phone, tablet, or printed if you prefer.
How to use
Best read at bedtime, once your child is settled and comfortable
A calm, slow reading voice works best — no acting required
The story can be used nightly or whenever worries show up
Repetition is encouraged — familiarity increases the calming effect
Children do not need to stay awake until the end.
If they fall asleep while listening, the story has done its job.
A gentle note
This is a supportive wellbeing resource and is not intended as a replacement for professional medical or psychological care. Always trust your intuition as a parent and adapt the language to suit your child.
