Coping Skills
What is a coping skill?
A positive, healthy way to deal with uncomfortable emotions or situations
Name 3 healthy coping skills
Count to 10, Use a Fidget, Read a Book, Writing/Drawing/Painting, Listening to Music, Spending Time with Friends/Family, Go for a Walk, Deep Breathing, Meditation, talking to someone you trust, Journaling
Give an example of a coping skill you can use at home
Playing a game, going for a walk, reading, watching a movie, talking to family/friends
You shouldn't have to follow your bus driver's rules if you don't like them.
False
You should still follow the rules because they are to keep your bus safe while you go to and from school.
You are in class and get stuck on a problem and want to give up. What can you do to persevere?
Ask for help, take a quick break, move on to a different part of the assignment and then go back.
Define "healthy coping skills"
Healthy coping skills are managing your emotions in safe and effective ways that are not harmful to yourself or others.
Name 3 unhealthy coping skills
Fighting, not letting an adult help you, yelling at others, harming others or yourself, ignoring
Give an example of positive self talk
Keep trying!
Asking for help is OK
You got this
One healthy coping skill is running to the bathroom when someone is being unfair in gym class.
False
It is always important for your teacher to know where you are and asking for a time limited break is a healthier choice.
I could set an alarm, get up earlier, make a checklist so I don't forget anything or get things ready the night before so it makes my morning smoother.
Define "unhealthy coping skills"
Coping skills that are unhealthy keep you from addressing the problem and could make the problem bigger. These skills may feel like they help in the moment but they do not help the actual problem. They might be harmful to yourself or others.
Taking breaks away from what frustrates you is one healthy coping skill. Can you describe a space at school and home you can go if you need a break?
Bathroom, drink of water, bedroom, calm room/social work office, across the hall.
Give an example of when your body is telling you that you need help or a break
hands clenching, feeling warm/hot, getting angry, can't sit still, can't be quiet
Every coping skill is healthy.
False
Some ways we learn to cope are not healthy (for example: fighting or yelling)
Your teacher gave you an assignment that you think is a waste of time and boring. What should you do?
I should use positive self talk and tell myself to just do it and remind myself that there are going to be things that I don't like to do but still have to do them.
Some answers include: Deep breathing, count to 10, use a fidget, use positive self talk, take a break, talk to someone
How do you think your peers feel if you begin arguing with a teacher during class time?
They will feel uncomfortable and might not want to be associated with you. It may make them keep more distance from you.
Give an example of what you can do instead of yelling at a friend
talk to them calmly, walk away and take a breath, ask an adult for help, find a compromise
We are born knowing how to use coping skills.
False
We learn new coping skills as we grow! We can always improve our coping skills and learn from our mistakes. Think about toddlers crying or hitting to get what they want when they don't have the words.
You see a friend with their head down and looking upset. How could you offer support to the friend?
You could say things like I am here for you, it's okay, suggest they take a break or offer them help or suggest they talk to a grown up about things.
What is an example of an unhealthy way someone might handle their anger or frustration within the classroom? Can you give an example of a time where you did not use a healthy coping skill?
- Destroying the classroom
- Being mean to your classmates
- Yelling at someone
Show me how to ask for a break when you feel frustrated
Awesome job!
Give an example of negative self-talk
I'm no good
I can't do this
I'm not smart
No one wants to be my friend
Unhealthy coping skills are still coping skills
True
There are both healthy and unhealthy coping skills; the key is knowing the difference and using healthy ones!
If your friend doesn't want to play what you want to play what can you do?
We can compromise and play a little of what I want and a little of what they want. Take turns-one day play what I want. One day play what they want. I could play with someone else.