15 Creative Activities and Coping Skills Games for Kids

15 Creative Activities and Coping Skills Games for Kids

As they grow up, kids face many challenging feelings. They need ways to handle stress, anger, and sadness effectively. Coping skills help children deal with these big emotions. Teaching kids coping skills gives them tools to manage their feelings in healthy ways.

We can show kids many fun ways to cope. They can try deep breathing, drawing pictures, or playing with fidget toys, which help them calm down when they’re upset. Yoga, journaling, and positive self-talk are also great options.

Parents and teachers play a significant role in helping kids learn these skills. We can model good coping skills and practice them with kids (think co-regulation), which allows them to feel more confident when managing challenging times.

15 Creative Activities To Teach Kids About Coping Skills

Let’s explore some fun ways to help kids learn about coping skills. These coping skills games and activities can make a big difference in how children handle challenging situations.

Feelings Bingo

Feelings Bingo is a fun game that helps kids learn about emotions. It uses bingo cards with different feelings to teach coping skills in a playful way.

How to Play

We start by giving each player a Feelings Bingo card. The cards have squares with different emotions written on them. We can use chips, buttons, or small objects as markers.

Someone calls out feelings one by one. If a player has that feeling on their card, they put a marker on it. The first person to get a row, column, or diagonal filled wins and shouts “Bingo!”

For fun, we can ask kids to act out the emotion or share a time they felt that way. This helps them connect with their feelings on a deeper level.

Why It Helps

Feelings Bingo makes learning about emotions fun and easy. It gives kids a chance to talk about feelings in a safe way. By playing, they learn to spot different emotions in themselves and others.

The game helps build emotional vocabulary. Kids learn new words for feelings they might not know how to express. This can make it easier for them to talk about their emotions later.

It also shows that all feelings are okay to have. Seeing emotions on a game card helps normalize them. This can make kids feel more comfortable sharing their own feelings.

Materials Needed

To play Feelings Bingo, we need a few simple items:

• Printable Feelings Bingo cards
• Markers (chips, buttons, or small objects)
• A list of emotions to call out

We can make our own cards or find free printables online. Some sets come with 24 different cards, which is great for larger groups.

For younger kids, we might use cards with emoji faces instead of words. This helps them match the feeling to a picture. We can also add a dry-erase marker to let kids draw the emotions on their cards.

The Calm-Down Jar

A calm-down jar is a simple tool that can help kids relax and manage their emotions. It’s easy to make and fun to use.

How to Create

To make a calm-down jar, we need a few items:

• Clear jar or bottle with a tight lid
• Warm water
• Glitter glue
• Extra glitter
• Food coloring (optional)

First, we fill the jar about 3/4 full of warm water. Then, we add glitter glue and extra glitter. For a fun touch, we can mix in a few drops of food coloring.

Seal the lid tightly and shake well to mix everything. It’s ready to use!

Why It Helps

Calm-down jars work by giving kids a focal point when they feel upset or anxious. The swirling glitter is mesmerizing and helps shift their focus.

Watching the glitter settle can help slow down racing thoughts. It’s like a mini timeout that lets kids pause and reset.

These jars are great for kids with autism, sensory issues, or anxiety. They can help teach self-regulation skills in a fun way.

Tip

We can make calm-down jars even more effective by adding a breathing exercise. We can tell kids to take slow, deep breaths while watching the glitter fall.

It’s a good idea to keep calm-down jars handy in different places. We might put one in the car, one at school, and one at home.

Let’s encourage kids to shake the jar whenever they feel overwhelmed. With practice, it can become a go-to tool for managing big emotions.

Coping Skills Scavenger Hunt

A coping skills scavenger hunt is a fun and engaging way for kids to learn about different ways to manage stress and emotions. This activity gets kids moving, thinking, and trying out new coping strategies.

How to Play

To start the game, give each child a list of coping skills to find. We can include things like “find something that makes you laugh” or “do 10 jumping jacks.”

Kids then search for items or do actions that match the list. They can work alone or in teams.

When they find an item or do an action, they check it off their list. The first to complete all items wins!

We can add a twist by having kids take photos of their finds or actions. This makes for a fun show-and-tell after the hunt.

Why It Helps

This game teaches kids about coping skills in a hands-on way. They learn new strategies while having fun.

The hunt gets kids moving, which is great for releasing stress. Physical activity is a coping skill itself!

Kids practice using different coping methods during the game. This helps them remember these skills when they need them later.

The activity also boosts problem-solving skills. Kids have to think creatively to find items that match the list.

Working in teams can improve social skills too. Kids learn to cooperate and communicate as they hunt together.

Materials Needed

• A list of coping skills to find or do
• Paper and pencils for each player
• A timer (optional)
• Prizes for winners (optional)

For an indoor hunt, we might need:

• Stress balls
• Coloring books and crayons
• Bubbles
• Silly putty

For an outdoor hunt, consider:

• Chalk for sidewalk drawing
• Jump ropes
• Frisbees
• Pinwheels for deep breathing practice

We can also use phones or cameras if we want kids to take pictures during the hunt.

Emotion Charades

Emotion charades is a fun game that helps kids learn about feelings. It gets them moving and thinking about different emotions in a playful way.

How to Play

To play emotion charades, one child acts out an emotion without talking. The other kids try to guess what feeling is being shown. We can write emotions on cards for kids to pick from. Some good ones to include are happy, sad, angry, scared, excited, and surprised.

Take turns having each child be the actor. They pick a card and act out the emotion using only facial expressions and body language. The other kids raise their hands to guess.

This game works well in small groups or classrooms. We can make it easier for younger kiddos by using more straightforward emotions, and we can add more complex feelings like embarrassment or frustration for older kids.

Why It Helps

Emotion charades help kids in several ways. They learn to recognize how different feelings look on other people’s faces and bodies, which builds empathy and social skills.

The game also gives kids the opportunity to practice expressing their emotions. Acting out feelings helps make the connection between inner experiences and outward signs.

Naming and identifying emotions is an essential skill for kids. It’s the first step in learning to manage feelings, and when kids can label their feelings, it’s easier for them to cope.

Playing charades is fun, which makes learning about emotions more engaging. Kids are more likely to remember and use what they learn through games.

Materials Needed

We don’t need much to play emotion charades. Here’s what helps:

• Cards with emotion words written on them
• A timer (optional)
• A hat or bowl to hold the cards
• An open space for acting

We can make our own emotion cards using index cards or paper. Writing the words in large print helps younger kids read them. Adding simple drawings of facial expressions can also be helpful.

For classrooms, a whiteboard to keep score. At home, we can just play for fun without scoring. The most important thing is having willing players ready to act silly and learn about feelings.

Breathing Ball Activity

The breathing ball activity is fun for kids to practice deep breathing. It uses a special expandable ball to help children visualize their breath. This simple tool can make breathing exercises more engaging and effective for young ones.

How to Play

To use a breathing ball, we start by holding the ball in front of us. As we breathe in, we slowly expand the ball. We pause for a moment at the top of our breath. Then, as we breathe out, we let the ball contract.

We can make it more fun by pretending the ball is a balloon or our lungs. Kids can try different breathing speeds and see how it changes the ball’s movement.

For groups, we can pass the ball around. Each child takes a turn doing one breath cycle with the ball.

Why It Helps

The breathing ball gives kids a visual way to see their breath, making the abstract idea of breathing more concrete. It also helps them focus and stay on track with the exercise.

Deep breathing can calm the body and mind. When kids are upset or anxious, this tool can help them relax. The rhythmic motion of the ball is soothing.

Using the ball also makes breathing practice more fun. Kids are more likely to want to do it again. This helps them build a healthy habit they can use anytime.

Materials Needed

To do this activity, we need:

• A breathing ball (also called a Hoberman sphere)
• A quiet space
• Comfortable seating (optional)

Breathing balls come in different sizes. We can pick one that fits well in a child’s hands. We can use a regular ball or even our hands if we don’t have a breathing ball.

We might want to consider having soft, calming music playing. This can help create a calm mood. A timer can be helpful if we want to practice for a set time.

Feelings Art Corner

A feelings art corner gives kids a creative way to express and understand their emotions. It’s a fun activity that helps children process complex feelings through art.

How to Play

Set up a dedicated space with art supplies and let kids create freely.

They can draw, paint, or sculpt based on how they feel. We might give prompts like “draw your anger” or “paint your happy place.”

There’s no right or wrong way to make feelings art. We can encourage kids to use colors, shapes, and images to represent their emotions. They can work silently or talk about their art as they create.

When finished, kids can share their artwork if they want. Ask open-ended questions about their choices and what the art means to them.

Why It Helps

Art lets kids express feelings they may struggle to put into words. It’s a safe outlet for big emotions. Creating art can be calming and help kids relax when upset.

Making feelings art builds emotional awareness. Kids learn to identify and name their emotions. They start to understand how feelings look and feel in their body.

The art process itself can be therapeutic. Focusing on creating helps people forget their worries, and they may gain new insights about their emotions through their artwork.

Sharing art opens up conversations about feelings. Kids practice talking about emotions in a low-pressure way.

Materials Needed

• Large sheets of paper • Crayons, markers, colored pencils • Paints and brushes • Modeling clay or playdough • Magazines for collage • Glue and scissors • Feelings chart or wheel • Calm corner posters

We can offer a variety of art supplies so kids can choose what works best for them. A feelings chart nearby helps kids name and identify emotions as they create.

Soft background music and comfy seating make the art corner inviting. Keep it stocked with plenty of materials so kids can visit whenever they need to express themselves through art.

Role-Playing Coping Scenarios

Role-playing helps kids practice coping skills in a fun way. We can set up pretend situations for them to work through their feelings and reactions safely. This gives them actual practice when tricky moments arise in daily life.

How to Play

Start by picking a scenario kids might face, like not getting picked for a team or losing a game. Then we act it out together. One person plays the frustrated kid, while another plays the helper. We can use fun props or costumes to make it more engaging.

The “frustrated” kid acts out being upset. The helper guides them through coping steps. These might include taking deep breaths, using positive self-talk, or finding a quiet space.

Switch roles so everyone gets a chance to practice both parts. This helps kids see things from different angles.

Why It Helps

Role-playing lets kids try out coping skills without real stress. They can make mistakes and try again in a safe space, building their confidence for real-life rough spots.

It also helps kids recognize their feelings better. By acting out scenarios, they learn to name emotions and spot signs of stress in their bodies.

Problem-solving skills improve as kids devise new ways to handle tricky situations. They learn that there is often more than one good way to cope.

Playing different roles also builds empathy. Kids see how their actions affect others, which can lead to kinder choices when real conflicts happen.

Materials Needed

We don’t need much for role-playing coping scenes. The main thing is a clear space to move around. Comfy clothes help kids get into character.

Simple props can make it more fun:

• Stuffed animals for comfort
• Markers and paper for drawing feelings
• A “calming corner” with pillows
• A pretend phone to “call a friend”

Coping strategy cards can give kids ideas during play. We can make our own or find printable ones online.

A timer might help with timed coping methods like deep breathing. Lastly, a feelings chart can help kids name emotions as they act them out.

Mindful Movement with Yoga Poses

Yoga poses can help kids relax and focus. These simple moves teach body awareness and calm the mind—plus, they’re great for physical health. Let’s explore some fun yoga poses for children.

How to Play

Start with easy poses kids can do. The Child’s Pose is great for beginners. Kids sit on their knees and lower their upper body down.

Next, try the Tree Pose. Stand on one leg and place the other foot on the inner thigh or calf. It’s okay to wobble!

For the Butterfly Pose, sit with the soles of the feet together and gently flap the knees like wings.

We can make it fun by naming poses after animals. For example, the cat-cow pose has kids on hands and knees, arching and rounding their backs like cats.

Why It Helps

Yoga helps kids in many ways. It builds strength and flexibility, and calming yoga poses give kids a chance to relax and cope with stress.

These moves improve focus and concentration. Kids learn to pay attention to their breathing and body.

Yoga also boosts self-esteem. When kids master new poses, they feel proud and confident.

Regular practice can help with sleep and mood. It’s an excellent way for kids to unwind after a busy day.

Materials Needed

The best part? We don’t need much for kids’ yoga! Here’s what helps:

• A quiet space
• Yoga mat or soft rug
• Comfortable clothes

Optional items:

• Calming music
• Pictures of yoga poses
• Stuffed animals for pose inspiration

To make yoga more engaging, we can use fun, interactive methods. Blowing bubbles can teach deep breathing, and using animal names for poses makes it playful.

Remember, keeping it simple is key. The goal is to help kids relax and have fun while moving their bodies.

Feelings Matching Game

The Feelings Matching Game is a fun way for kids to learn about emotions. It helps them recognize different feelings and talk about them. This game is easy to set up and play.

How to Play

Start by shuffling the cards and laying them face down. Players take turns flipping over two cards at a time. The goal is to find matching pairs of emotion cards. When players find a match, they say the emotion out loud and keep the pair. If the cards don’t match, we flip them back over. The game continues until all pairs are found. The player with the most pairs wins! For younger kids, we can use fewer pairs to make it easier. Older kids might enjoy a more significant challenge with more emotion cards.

Why It Helps

This game makes learning about feelings fun. Kids get better at spotting emotions on faces and learning new words for different feelings.

Playing helps kids talk about emotions more easily. When they name a feeling, it becomes less scary. This can help them open up about their own feelings later.

The game also builds memory skills. Kids have to remember where they saw each card, which helps with focus and concentration.

Materials Needed

To play the Feelings Matching Game, we need:

• Emotion cards with pictures of faces showing different feelings
• A flat surface to lay out the cards

We can buy a set of emotion-matching cards or make our own. To make cards:

1. Draw or print pictures of faces with different expressions
2. Cut them out and glue them to cardstock
3. Make sure each emotion has a matching pair

We can use a deck of regular playing cards for a quick version. We assign an emotion to each number or face card.

Coping Skills Board Game

The Coping Skills Board Game is a fun way for kids to learn important emotional tools. It uses real-life situations to teach kids how to handle feelings and make good choices.

How to Play

Start by setting up the game board and giving each player a game piece. Players take turns rolling the dice and moving around the board. When they land on a space, they draw a card with a situation or feeling.

The player then has to devise a good way to cope with that situation. Other players can help if needed. If the answer is good, the player stays on that space. If not, they move back.

Some spaces have unique actions, like practicing deep breathing or doing a quick stretch. This adds more ways to learn coping skills as we play.

The first player to reach the finish line wins! But the real win is learning new ways to handle challenging feelings.

Why It Helps

This game helps kids learn coping skills in a fun, low-pressure way. By discussing different situations, kids can think about how to handle them before they happen in real life.

Playing games about emotions helps kids feel more comfortable talking about their feelings. It also shows them they’re not alone when having big emotions or tricky situations.

The game lets kids practice coping skills while playing, which makes it more likely that they’ll remember to use these skills when they need them.

We find that kids often open up more during games. They might share things they’re dealing with that they wouldn’t bring up otherwise. This gives us a chance to offer more support. We are all wired for connection!

Materials Needed

To play the Coping Skills Board Game, we need:

• A game board with spaces for different situations
• Dice (one or two)
• Game pieces for each player
• Cards with situations or feelings written on them
• A timer (optional, for timed responses)
• A list of coping skills for reference

We can buy a pre-made Coping Skills Game or make our own. If we make it, we can use cardboard for the board and index cards for the situation cards.

We can use small toys or even make custom pieces that represent different emotions for the game pieces. This adds another layer of learning to the game.

We could also have some simple props on hand, like a stress ball or a feelings chart, to help kids act out some coping skills during the game.

Gratitude Tree

A Gratitude Tree is a fun and simple activity that helps kids learn about thankfulness. It lets them express what they’re grateful for in a visual way, boosting their emotional skills and happiness.

How to Play

To start, we draw a big tree trunk on paper or cardboard. Next, we cut out leaf shapes from colored paper. Kids write things they’re thankful for on each leaf. We can help younger kids with writing if needed.

Then, we stick the leaves on the tree branches. As more leaves are added, the tree becomes fuller and more colorful. We can keep adding leaves over days or weeks.

It’s fun to read the leaves out loud as a family. This helps everyone share good feelings. We can also talk about why each thing is unique to us.

Why It Helps

Making a Gratitude Tree teaches kids to notice good things in their lives. This habit makes them happier and more positive. When kids focus on what they have, they feel less upset about what they don’t have.

The tree also helps kids talk about their feelings, which is great for emotional growth. As they share, they learn that it’s okay to express themselves.

Gratitude can make kids kinder and more helpful. They start to see how others make their lives better. This can lead to stronger friendships and family bonds.

Materials Needed

• Large paper or cardboard for the tree trunk
• Colored paper for leaves
• Scissors
• Glue or tape
• Markers or crayons
• Optional: Tree template or pre-cut leaves

We can use real leaves from outside if we want. This adds a natural element to the project. If we’re short on time, printable leaf templates work great too.

We might want to cut out the leaves ahead of time for younger kiddos. Older kids can do this part themselves. We can also add decorations like stickers or glitter to make the tree more fun.

Balloon Breathing Game

Balloon breathing is a fun and easy way for kids to practice deep breathing. This simple game helps children calm down when they feel anxious or upset and teaches them an important coping skill they can use anytime.

How to Play

Ask kids to pretend their belly is a balloon to play the balloon breathing game. They start by putting their hands on their tummy. Then, they take a big breath through their nose, making their “balloon” more prominent. As they breathe out slowly through their mouth, their balloon deflates.

We can tell kids to watch their hands move up and down as they breathe. They can do this 5-10 times to feel calm. For extra fun, we can let them pick their pretend balloon color each time they breathe.

Some children also like to use a real balloon. They can hold it near their mouth and try to blow it up a little with each breath.

Why It Helps

Balloon breathing helps kids in many ways. First, it slows down their breathing when they feel stressed or upset. Taking deep breaths tells their body to relax.

The game also gives kids something else to focus on besides their worries. Thinking about the balloon takes their mind off what’s bothering them.

This exercise builds awareness of how breathing affects our bodies. Kids learn they can change how they feel by changing their breath.

Balloon breathing is easy to do anywhere. Kids can use it at school, home, or anywhere they need to calm down. It’s a tool they can always carry with them.

Build a Coping Toolbox

A coping toolbox is a great way to help kids handle challenging feelings. It gives them easy-to-use tools when they feel upset or worried. Let’s explore how to make and use this helpful kit.

How to Play

First, find a container like a shoebox or plastic bin. Help your child pick items that make them feel better. This could be stress balls, coloring books, or favorite toys. Put these items in the box.

When your child feels upset, remind them to use their toolbox. They can pick an item and use it to calm down. It’s also good to practice using the tools when they’re calm.

Keep the box where it’s easy to reach. Update it as your child grows and needs change.

Why It Helps

A coping toolbox gives kids a sense of control. When they’re upset, they have a go-to solution. This can make big feelings less scary.

Using the tools helps kids learn to manage emotions independently, build confidence, and develop independence. Over time, they get better at picking the right tool for each situation.

The toolbox also teaches kids that it’s okay to have feelings and that there are healthy ways to deal with them. This is a skill they’ll use their whole lives.

Materials Needed

• A container (shoebox, plastic bin, or basket)
• Calming items (stress balls, fidget toys, bubbles)
• Art supplies (crayons, paper, coloring books)
• Comfort objects (stuffed animal, family photo)
• Sensory items (scented lotion, soft fabric)
• Breathing guides or cards
• Small musical instruments (harmonica, egg shaker)
• Positive affirmation cards

Let your child help choose the items. This makes the toolbox more personal and practical. Remember, what works for one child might not work for another. It’s okay to try different things.

Sensory Play Activities

Sensory play activities help kids calm down and focus. These fun games reduce stress by using touch, sight, sound, and movement. Let’s explore some easy sensory activities for children.

How to Play

Start by setting up a comfy space. Spread out a soft blanket or mat on the floor. Next, gather our sensory items. These might be squishy toys, textured balls, or colorful scarves.

Now it’s time to play! We can squeeze stress balls, run fingers through kinetic sand, or blow bubbles. Another fun game is the “texture walk.” We line up different textured items and walk barefoot over them.

For a calming activity, we can make a “sensory bottle.” Fill a clear bottle with water, glitter, and small toys. Shake it up and watch the items float.

Why It Helps

Sensory activities give kids a chance to relax and reset. When kids feel stressed or anxious, these games can help them feel better.

Playing with sensory items helps the brain process information. This can make kids feel more in control. It also improves focus and attention.

Sensory play is great for all kids, but it’s extra helpful for those with sensory processing issues. It can prevent meltdowns and reduce frustration.

These activities also boost creativity and problem-solving skills. As kids explore different textures and materials, they learn about their world.

Materials Needed

We don’t need fancy tools for sensory play. Many items can be found at home or bought cheaply. Here’s a list of common materials:

• Play-doh or modeling clay
• Kinetic sand
• Stress balls or squishy toys
• Textured items (feathers, pom-poms, sandpaper)
• Clear bottles for sensory bottles
• Water beads
• Scented items (essential oils, scented markers)
• Bubble solution and wands

For visual stimulation, we can use:

• Colored rice or pasta
• Glitter
• Colorful scarves or ribbons

Sound items might include:

• Small bells
• Rain sticks
• Shakers made from dried beans in containers

Remember, always supervise kids during sensory play to ensure safety.

Storytelling and Emotion Cards

Storytelling and emotion cards help kids talk about their feelings in fun ways. These activities build emotional awareness and coping skills through creative play.

How to Play

Start by shuffling the deck of emotion cards. Each child picks a card showing a feeling. They then make up a short story about a time they felt that emotion.

Encourage kids to describe how the feeling felt in their body. Was their heart racing? Did they have butterflies?

Next, ask them to share what helped them feel better. Maybe they took deep breaths or talked to a friend.

As they tell their stories, listen closely. Praise their bravery in sharing and point out good coping skills they used.

Why It Helps

This game teaches kids to name and express their feelings. Talking about emotions makes them less scary.

Children learn they’re not alone in having big feelings. Hearing others’ stories builds empathy and connection.

This activity boosts emotional literacy and helps kids manage their emotions better.

Storytelling lets kids practice coping skills in a low-pressure way. They can try out new ways to handle challenging feelings.

Over time, kids build a toolbox of coping strategies. They feel more confident facing future challenges.

Materials Needed

• Deck of emotion cards (store-bought or homemade)
• Comfortable seating area
• Timer (optional, to keep stories short)
• Pencils and paper (for kids who prefer drawing)

We can make our own cards using pictures from magazines or draw simple face emojis on index cards.

Having a mix of “easy” and “hard” emotions is helpful. Include feelings like:

• Happy
• Sad
• Angry
• Scared
• Excited
• Nervous

Having 30-40 different cards gives lots of options, keeping the game fresh and interesting for repeat play.

Why Teaching Coping Skills Through Activities and games Matters

Games and activities offer kids a fun and engaging way to learn important life skills. Teaching coping skills through games and/or activities can have a positive and powerful impact on children’s emotional health and development.

Makes Learning Fun

Kids love to learn through play. Using games to teach coping skills can make the learning process enjoyable. Fun counseling games can help kids practice dealing with stress in a low-pressure setting.

Board games with prompts about coping strategies allow children to think through different situations and try out responses without real-world consequences.

Role-playing games let kids act out scenarios and test different coping methods. This hands-on approach helps the lessons stick better than just talking about them (this is my personal favorite).

Even video games teach focus and problem-solving. We can use kids’ interest in gaming to sneak in lessons on asking for help or staying calm under pressure.

Promotes Emotional Awareness

Coping skills games create a safe space for kids to explore their feelings. When playing, children often express emotions more freely than in regular conversation.

Play therapy uses games and toys to help children process difficult experiences and give them new ways to express their needs and wants.

Emotion-focused games teach kids to name and understand different feelings. This helps them recognize their emotions in real life.

Games with teamwork elements let kids practice empathy. They learn to read others’ emotions and respond appropriately, which, as parents, is the greatest gift we can give our kiddos!

Art-based games encourage creative expression. Kids can draw or craft their feelings when words are hard to find.

Builds Healthy Habits Early

Starting young is key. Coping skills games help kids build good coping habits that can last a lifetime.

We can use coping skills board games to introduce different stress management methods. Kids learn techniques like deep breathing or positive self-talk in a fun – relatable – way.

Puzzle games teach patience and problem-solving. These skills transfer to real-life challenges.

Physical games can show kids how movement helps manage emotions. When upset, they might learn to go for a walk or do jumping jacks.

Mindfulness games teach kids to stay present, which can help them cope with worry about the future and broaden their window of tolerance.

Encourages Social Connection

Many coping skill games involve playing with others. This helps kids practice social skills at the same time.

Team games teach cooperation and communication. Kids learn to work together to solve problems.

Games with sharing circles let kids open up about their feelings. They see that others have similar worries.

Role-playing games help kids practice asking for help. They learn it’s okay to reach out to friends or adults when stressed.

Competitive games teach good sportsmanship. Kids learn to cope with winning and losing gracefully.

Tips for Parents and Educators

It is crucial to support kids in developing coping skills. We can create safe spaces, practice patience, and use fun coping skills games to help children learn these important life tools.

Create a Safe Environment

A safe environment helps kids feel comfortable exploring their emotions. We can set up a cozy corner with pillows and stuffed animals where kids can go when they feel overwhelmed. Reinforce empathy and encourage open talks about feelings.

It’s important to model healthy ways to deal with stress. When we feel upset, we can express it by saying, “I’m feeling frustrated, so I’m going to take some deep breaths.” If we react towards our child in a way that isn’t our best, we should acknowledge our behavior and take responsibility for it. Don’t hesitate to circle back! It’s never too late to be accountable; accountability can feel like a warm hug for our kiddos.

It’s important to praise kids when they use coping skills. This positive feedback makes them more likely to use these tools again, as children learn best through positive reinforcement.

Be Patient

Learning coping skills takes time. We need to remember that each child learns at their own pace. We can offer gentle guidance when a child struggles instead of getting frustrated. (patience is key).

We can break down coping skills into smaller steps. For example, if a child learns deep breathing, we might start with just three breaths and slowly build up.

It’s okay if kids don’t get it right away. We can say, “It’s great that you’re trying. Let’s practice together.”

Incorporate Games Regularly

Games make learning coping skills fun and attainable. For example, we can play “Feelings Charades,” where kids act out emotions for others to guess. This helps them recognize different feelings – and, most importantly, makes them more mindful of their own.

Another game is “Calm Jar Racing.” Kids shake up glitter jars and see who can stay quiet the longest while watching the glitter settle. This teaches mindfulness in a fun way.

We can also use drawing games. Kids can draw their worries as silly monsters and devise ways to defeat them. This helps them face their fears in a playful manner.

Final Thoughts

Coping skills give kids power over their emotions. They learn to calm down when upset. These skills also help them solve problems better. Kids who use coping skills often feel happier and do better in school.

They also make friends more easily. With practice, kids get really good at using these skills, which helps them now and as they grow up.

I’ve noticed my kids’ behavior improves after they practice coping skills. It’s amazing to watch a child go from tantrums to talking about feelings.

Kids feel strong when they can handle big feelings. We can tell them they have the power to feel better. This builds their confidence.

We can also remind kids that it’s okay to feel upset sometimes. What matters is how they deal with those feelings. They have many tools to choose from now.

Encourage your kiddos to keep trying even when it’s hard. Every time they use a coping skill, they get stronger and learn they can face any challenge.

Let’s cheer on our kids as they grow and learn! With the right coping skills, they’ll be ready to take on everything life has in store for them!

Frequently asked Questions

Kids can learn many ways to handle challenging feelings and situations. Let’s explore fun activities, valuable techniques, and free tools to help children build strong coping skills at home and school.

About the Author

Taylor O’Horo, Psychology Major.

Hi! I am Taylor O’Horo, marketing specialist and biofeedback technician. I am a mom to three kiddos – a first responder wife and Veteran spouse. I recently earned my bachelor’s in psychology from Arizona State University and plan to earn my master’s in counseling. Everyone has a story, and I am no different. Overcoming the adversities, I’ve experienced has helped me to learn more about resilience and how to be there for others. I believe all humans can heal!