Coping Skills
When your body feels out of control, what is one small thing you can control right away?
Slow breathing, taking a pause, asking for a break, pausing
This feeling can make your heart beat fast and your stomach feel funny
Anxiety
This emotion can make you feel hot, tense, or like yelling
Anger
This word means telling someone “stop” when you don’t like something?
a boundary
(Name 3 of your boundaries for extra points)
This means stopping and thinking before you act
Self-Control
You feel upset in class and your body is getting tense. What is one coping skill you could use without leaving your seat?
deep breathing / squeezing hands / positive self-talk
You have to do something new at school and feel nervous. What is one helpful thought you could tell yourself?
I can try my best / I'll be okay
Someone annoys you at school. What is one safe way to respond instead of reacting right away?
walk away / use words / ignore it / tell a teacher
A friend wants you to do something you know will get you in trouble. What should you do?
Say no/ Walk away/ choose a better option
You want to interrupt, but someone else is talking. What should you do?
Wait your turn
You’re angry at home and want to yell. What is a better coping choice you could make?
taking a break / using words / going to a calm space
How can you tell the difference between a real danger and an anxious thought?
checking the facts / asking “Is this actually happening or just a worry?” / Talk to an adult
What is a warning sign your anger is getting too big?
clenched fists / yelling / fast heartbeat/ shutting down / isolating
Why is it sometimes hard to say “no” to others?
fear of getting in trouble / losing friends / hurting feelings
What is something that makes self-control harder when you’re upset?
Strong emotions / Anger / Anxiety / impulsiveness
Why might taking a break help before solving a problem?
helps you calm down and think clearly
You feel anxious and want to avoid something. What might happen if you always avoid it?
fear can get bigger / it stays hard
You got in trouble and feel it’s unfair. What is a better choice than arguing or yelling?
calming down first and then talking respectfully
What is the difference between being mean and setting a boundary?
What is boundaries are respectful, not hurtful
You feel like reacting right away. What is one step you can take before making a choice?
Pause / breathe / think about consequences
You try a coping skill and it doesn’t work right away. What should you do next?
try another strategy / keep practicing / ask for help
Why can facing a fear a little at a time make it easier over time?
helps your brain learn it’s safe / builds confidence
How can your choices when you’re angry affect what happens next?
it can make things better or worse depending on your reaction
If someone doesn’t respect your boundary, what is a smart next step?
repeat it / walk away / tell a trusted adult
Maybe disconnect from the individual
How can practicing self-control at school help you at home (or the other way around)?
the skill carries over and helps in both places / Practice makes perfect / Repetition makes the skill easier to use