LISD Flyer: Coping Skills (English)

Coping skills are tools children and teens use to manage strong emotions, stress, and everyday challenges in healthy ways. These skills help them calm down, solve problems, and feel more in control.

Coping skills are crucial for kids and teens as they equip them to manage stress, regulate emotions, and build resilience in the face of life's challenges. By learning healthy coping mechanisms, young people can navigate difficult situations, develop problem-solving skills, and improve their overall wellbeing.

Here are just some of the benefits of having strong, healthy coping skills:

Here are some healthy coping strategies to try. Some of these may work and others might not. Try a variety to find what works best for your child:

• Deep breathing
• Exercise
• Grounding
• Journaling
• Watching a movie/TV show
• Reading
• Mindfulness
• Trying a new hobby
• Sleeping and eating well
• Drawing/coloring/sketching
• Talking to someone
• Cooking
• Repeating positive affirmations
• Challenging negative thoughts
• Engaging the five senses
• Taking a shower/bath
• Listening to music
• Doing brain teasers/crossword puzzles
• Cleaning/organizing

Some children and teens have trouble regulating their emotions. They may act out or engage in harmful behaviors in an effort to self-soothe. Here are some unhealthy coping skills to watch for in your child:

• Verbal or physical aggression
• Self-harm (cutting, scratching, burning, etc.)
• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Loss of appetite or overeating
• Excessive screen time
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Avoidance of problems/denial of emotions

Helping kids learn how to manage emotions is a lifelong gift. Here are some ways you can help support your child’s well-being:

• Check in regularly with your child/teen
  

• Validate their feelings – “It’s okay to feel that way”

• Teach and practice healthy coping together

• Keep routines and sleep schedules consistent

• Reach out to school counselors or mental health supports as needed

Reach out to your student's school counselor today! 😀