Coping skills
Name one thing you can do when you feel frustrated.
Take deep breaths, ask for a break, stretch, draw, or talk to someone.
Name one thing you can see, hear, and feel right now.
Any three things in the environment or body.
BONUS!!!
True or false: Some catfish have taste buds all over their bodies, including their whiskers, so they can basically taste things by touching them!
TRUE! 🤯 Some catfish have thousands of taste buds distributed across their bodies, with especially high concentrations around their barbels (the whisker-like feelers around their mouths). They’re basically swimming, food-tasting machines! 🐈⬛
Your friend is talking about something they love, but you aren't interested. What could you do to show respect?
Listen, ask a question, or kindly explain that you'd like to talk about something else later.
Would you rather be able to fly or breathe underwater? Why?
COOL!
You lose a game and feel like throwing the controller. What are two things you could do instead?
Put the controller down, take a break, breathe, use helpful self-talk, or try again later.
What are the five senses we can use to ground ourselves?
Sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch.
What's the difference between feeling guilty and feeling ashamed?
Guilt: 'I did something wrong.' Shame: 'Something is wrong with me.' These can overlap.
BONUS!!!
True or false: Some catfish can actually walk across land to get to another body of water!
TRUE! 🐟 Some species, like the walking catfish, can move across land using their bodies and fins to wiggle toward other water sources. They don't exactly stroll around like cats, but they can survive out of water for a while in moist conditions.
Would you rather have a remote control that changes your mood or one that lets you replay your favorite day?
Whhhhaaat??
What is the difference between avoiding a problem and taking a healthy break?
A break helps you calm down so you can return to the problem. Avoidance means continually escaping it.
Show me how you would take three slow breaths to help your body settle.
Breathe comfortably and slowly, with a gentle, longer exhale if that feels good.
You feel happy for your friend who won, but also jealous because you wanted to win. Can both feelings be real?
Yes! People can feel more than one emotion at a time.
Your friend says, 'You're not playing with us today.' What is one way you could respond?
Ask what's going on, share how you feel, or find someone else to play with without retaliating.
Would you rather try something you're nervous about with a friend or try it alone and prove to yourself you can do it?
Alright!
Your anger is at an 8 out of 10. Name three steps you could take before reacting.
Notice the anger, pause or move away, regulate your body, and decide what to do next.
Your brain is replaying something embarrassing that happened yesterday. Name a grounding exercise you could try.
Use 5-4-3-2-1, describe objects around you, feel your feet on the floor, or notice sounds.
What is the difference between being disappointed and being hopeless?
Disappointment is feeling bad about an outcome. Hopelessness is feeling like things won't improve or nothing will help.
Your friend tells you a secret, but someone says you have to tell them. What should you consider before sharing it?
Respect privacy, but get help from a trusted adult if someone may be unsafe or hurt.
Would you rather always know what other people think of you or never worry about what other people think of you? Why?
No wrong answer! Explore privacy, uncertainty, confidence, and the limits of mind-reading.
Your favorite activity gets canceled, and you feel really disappointed. How could you handle the feeling without pretending you're happy?
Name the disappointment, allow yourself to feel it, talk about it, and find a way to cope with the change.
BONUS !!!
What is the world's largest catfish species, and how heavy can it get?
The giant Mekong catfish! One recorded individual weighed about 646 pounds (293 kg). That’s heavier than a giant piano! 🤯
You snap at your friend because you're embarrassed that you made a mistake. What might be underneath your anger, and why?
Embarrassment, insecurity, or fear of being judged might be underneath the ange
You and your friend both think you're right after an argument. How can you work it out without one person having to 'win'?
Listen to each other, explain your perspectives, find common ground, apologize if needed, and agree on a solution.
Would you rather have a head the size of a basketball or hands the size of dinner plates?
weird!