Stress Management

It’s important for kids (and us) to have several stress management skills that can be used in a variety of settings. This is because some stress management skills, or coping skills, are helpful in certain situations while hindering in others. For example, if your child’s sole coping skill is to take a short nap, that would work well at home, but if they're in the middle of an informative lesson, the use of this particular strategy could prevent them from being immersed in a great learning experience. Therefore, the more copious the set of skills are, the better equipped we are to overcome the challenges we encounter in daily life. 

Calming Coping Skills are designed to help you relax. For example:

• Taking deep breaths (give this one a try!)

• Using grounding techniques

• Visualizing your favorite place

• Taking a break

• Practicing positive self-talk

Distracting Coping Skills are designed to distract you from a certain stressor. For example:

• Doing something kind for someone else (make a KINDNESS FLOWER for a friend!)

• Baking or cooking

• Playing a game

• Drawing

• Writing a story

• Planning a fun event

Physical Coping Skills are designed to help you balance your energy, either to energize you or to help you manage the excess energy in your body. Things kids can do:

• Jumping on a trampoline

• Taking a scooter ride

• Doing simple exercises

• Going on a walk (consider taking a MINDFULNESS WALK with your child- this requires you to connect with your senses and play close attention to your environment!)

• Go swimming

Processing Coping Skills help you work through thoughts and feelings you have about challenging situations. Some suggestions:

• Make a worry box or a worry monster (try this one!) 

• Write poetry

• Use a journal

• Use a feelings thermometer

• Create a playlist to listen to​

Having a strong group of coping skills serves us personally and socially, however, it takes time to build our "toolbox". When helping your child do so, make sure to: 

• Start small - Identify one new coping skill to try every week. Have your child practice it when they’re calm and ask them to gauge how it impacts their mood.

• Don’t give up - Your child may try a coping skill and find it ineffective. Don’t give up! Trying something new can be intimidating or uncomfortable. Because of this, try that skill a few more times within the week before you decide to remove it from the list of potential skills!

• Begin with what they love - You know your child best. What do they enjoy? What do they love to do in their free time? Those activities are the beginning of making a good list of coping skills!

Provided by Coping Skills for Kids!