Coping Skills
What is a coping skill?
An effective way to deal with uncomfortable emotions or situations
Name 3 healthy coping skills
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 distraction coping skill
Playing a game, going for a walk, reading, watching a movie, etc.
Coping skills are used to avoid problems in our lives
False
Coping skills help us work through problems in a healthy way
If my child is being called names in school, what coping skills can you encourage them to do/use?
-Tell the teacher
-Ignoring
-Deep Breaths
-Taking a break
-Talk to Mrs. White
Define "healthy coping skills".
Coping skills that are healthy and not harmful to you or others.
Name 3 unhealthy coping skill
Fighting, avoiding help, yelling at others, harming others or yourself, using alcohol or drugs
Give an example of a self-soothing coping skill
Taking a bath/shower, putting on comfy clothing, listening to music, etc.
Coping skills help you focus on important things in your life
True
When we cope with problems and our emotions, it helps us think more clearly and tackle them better
Your child has work that they do not know how to complete, what coping skills can you encourage them to use?
1. Raise their hand, ask the teacher
2. Stay after school for additional help
3. Ask a friend for help
4. Do your best, use the resources around you to help
Define "unhealthy coping skills".
Coping skills that are unhealthy or harmful to you or others, and/or keep you from effectively addressing your needs
What kind of coping skills are deep breathing, yoga, and paying attention to your surroundings?
BONUS: Which is also a relaxation technique?
Mindfulness
BONUS: deep breathing
Give an example of an emotional awareness coping skill
Journaling, talking to someone, etc.
Every coping skill is healthy
False
Some ways we learn to cope are not healthy (e.g., like fighting or using substances or avoidance)
What can I do if I notice my child needs additional help in school?
Talk to the child's teacher, social worker, or principal to identify the help that best supports your child.
When should you practice coping skills?
All the time! Practice will help create patterns, if coping skills are not practiced, they are unlikely to help when you are experiencing strong thoughts or emotions
What kind of coping skill is playing a game or watching a movie?
Distraction coping skills
Give an example of an opposite action coping skill
Walking away instead of fighting, standing up straight when you feel nervous, getting out of bed when you are depressed or tired etc.
Coping skills are something everyone is born knowing how to do
False
Coping skills are learned throughout our lives
What can I do at home to support my child in using their coping skills?
Listen to them, talk about their school day, identify what the child does well with, model appropriate coping skills, remind the child of positive ways to deal with the stress, build in family supports (formal or informal), create a routine and increase structure at home
Which of the coping skills below are unhealthy:
Getting fresh air
Talking to a trusted friend/adult
Destroying property
Hair pulling
Exercising
Playing a game
Taking feelings out on others
Yelling at someone
- Destroying Property
- Hair pulling
- Taking Feelings Out on Others
- Yelling at someone you don't like
You get into a fight with your sister, but instead of yelling and throwing something because you are upset, you walk away. What type of coping skill is this?
Opposite Action Coping Skill and/or Anger Management
Name three coping skills you can do at home
Mindfulness activities (deep breathing, yoga), go for a walk, take a bath, journal...
Unhealthy coping skills are still coping skills
True
There are both healthy and unhealthy coping skills; the key is to knowing which are which, and utilizing healthy ones.
If your child is using negative coping skills, what should you do?
Talk to them about the situation and what could be done differently. Be realistic and honest about the situation. Encourage your child to use positive coping skills and model positive skills for them.