Cricket’s Hope’s foundation is rooted in the healing power of restorative groups. We support children who have experienced trauma due to domestic violence, neglect, the loss or incarceration of a close family member, and everything in between. Our participants range from first grade through high school and beyond. They are initially referred to us by their schools and voluntarily choose to attend our Art Restores Kids (ARK) classes, which are held during and after school.
One of the workshops we created, Worry Buddies, gives participants the opportunity to explore how gratitude can positively impact their worries and learn how to break the worry cycle. Through the process of making a Guatemalan-inspired “Worry Buddy,” children are encouraged to identify and talk about their worries, while discovering ways to transform those feelings into calm and joy.
As the children finished creating their Worry Buddies, they each received a small tin with our signature “Cricket’s Tip” pasted on the inside. This included a short mantra – “I breathe in and inhale peace, I breathe out and exhale worry” and an image of the Guatemalan landscape—serving as a gentle reminder of the workshop’s purpose and the tools they now carry with them.
We talked about how gratitude and a positive mindset has a great effect on mental health by interrupting negative thoughts. As worries can spiral into hurtful actions towards one’s self and others. Breaking this cycle also aids in breaking the cycle of trauma, which is our main goal at Cricket’s Hope.
We asked the children to share when they might turn to their Worry Buddy. One 1st grader shared, “I can use my buddy when I’m worried about my dad in jail.” A 4th grader said, “I can use my buddy when I’m feeling nervous about a test.”
To deepen their understanding of the connection between gratitude and emotional well-being, we also asked what they felt grateful for. A 3rd grader said, “I’m happy to be in the ARK.” And a 5th grader shared, “I’m grateful for my family.”
These honest and heartfelt reflections reminded us of the resilience children carry—and the power of art and connection in helping them navigate their emotions.