Coping Skills

Teaching elementary age children about coping skills is important for their emotional well-being and resilience. Here is a guideline for parents to use during teachable moments when explaining the concept of coping skills, as well as the choices and consequences of healthy coping:



• 1.Start with a simple definition: Begin by providing a child-friendly definition of coping skills. Explain that coping skills are strategies we use to manage our feelings and handle difficult situations in a healthy way.

• 2.Discuss examples of healthy coping skills: Provide concrete examples of healthy coping skills that children can understand and relate to. Examples include taking deep breaths to calm down, talking to a trusted adult or friend about their feelings, engaging in physical activities, drawing or writing in a journal, or engaging in hobbies or interests that bring joy.

• 3.Explain the importance of healthy coping: Discuss the positive impact of healthy coping skills on well-being. Explain that using healthy coping strategies can help children feel calmer, more in control, and better equipped to handle challenging situations. It also promotes their overall emotional health and resilience.

• 4.Discuss consequences of unhealthy coping: Explain the consequences of unhealthy coping strategies, such as bottling up emotions, engaging in aggressive behavior, or turning to harmful substances or excessive screen time to escape difficult feelings. Help children understand that unhealthy coping can lead to more stress, strained relationships, and negative impacts on their physical and mental well-being.

• 5.Explore emotions and triggers: Help children recognize their emotions and identify triggers for stress or difficult situations. Discuss common emotions like anger, sadness, or anxiety and help them understand that it's normal to feel these emotions. Encourage open communication about their feelings and experiences.

• 6.Practice and role-play: Engage in activities that allow children to practice and develop healthy coping skills. Role-play scenarios where they encounter challenging situations and encourage them to suggest and demonstrate appropriate coping strategies. This hands-on approach helps them internalize and remember the skills.

• 7.Encourage self-expression: Emphasize the importance of expressing emotions in healthy ways. Encourage children to express their feelings through art, writing, or verbal communication. Create a safe and non-judgmental environment where they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and emotions.

• 8.Provide a variety of coping options: Introduce a range of coping strategies and encourage children to explore what works best for them individually. Remind them that different situations may require different coping skills, and it's okay to experiment and find what works in each circumstance.

• 9.Reinforce positive coping: Acknowledge and praise your child's use of healthy coping skills when faced with challenging situations. Celebrate their efforts and resilience, reinforcing the idea that healthy coping choices lead to positive outcomes.

• 10.Be a role model: Lead by example and demonstrate healthy coping skills in your own life. Children learn by observing their parents, so show them how you handle stress or difficult emotions in a healthy way. Share your own experiences and the strategies you use to cope effectively.

Remember, teaching coping skills is an ongoing process. By following this guideline, parents can help their children understand the concept of coping skills, make informed choices, and recognize the positive consequences of healthy coping strategies.