Using Worry Dials To Increase Coping Skills

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Re: Coping acitvities

From: Lisa Scott
Date: 18 Oct 2012
Time: 04:30:51 -0500
Remote Name: 71.229.4.98

Comments

Annette, There are lots of fun strategies out there for helping kids increase coping skills. Another strategy I use on a frequent basis is a coping card. Using an index card, on one side you can write something like, "When I'm having a bad speech day, I will..." (or when I'm anxious about a speaking situation, when I have to give a presentation, etc. etc.) Then, have the child brainstorm things he or she can DO (distracting activities) to cope. It's important that these activities require action vs. just taking a nap/zoning out. We want to engage kids in activity so that it's more difficult for them to continue to think about whatever has got them stressed out. Parents could be involved in the brainstorming of activities that the child could do. I've had kids list things like "I'll search for motorcycle pictures on the internet;" "I'll call my grandma because I know she loves me;" "I'll play with my dog for 10 minutes;" "I'll read 20 pages of Harry Potter..." -- all of these activities should require action and be soothing to the child. Parents can be very helpful in identifying some of the activities because they are great observers of what helps their child to calm down. However, the ultimate list that gets put on the card should be up to the child. I usually try to have kids list 3-5 activities they can use, and then let them decorate the opposite side of the card. The card goes into the child's backpack, desk at school, or other personal location where it can be easily accessible. For more ideas on coping, I would simply google "coping activities for children." One site I really like is http://www.copingskills4kids.net/ Thanks for the great question!


Last changed: 10/22/12