Coping Skills for Children and Teens

Building a toolbox of coping skills is essential for children and teens as they navigate emotional challenges. This guide provides practical strategies to help young individuals manage feelings of anxiety, sadness, anger, and stress effectively.

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Coping Skills for Various Emotions

Anxious/Fearful

Identify what is making you afraid. Decide whether you are in actual danger or just feeling afraid. If you are not in real danger, take a deep breath and relax your body—imagine your body is a spaghetti noodle. Talk to someone you trust about what is causing your fear. Tell yourself that you can do this!

Consider thinking about a time when you were brave or imagine yourself as a superhero. You may also try to distract yourself by doing artwork, playing a card/board game, or watching a favorite TV show.

Identify the source of your anxiety.
If in danger, seek safety immediately.
If not in danger, take deep breaths and relax.

Sad/Depressed

Young Children

Encourage children to express their feelings and talk about what makes them sad. Activities like drawing or journaling can help.

Teens

Teens can benefit from talking to friends or engaging in physical activities to alleviate feelings of sadness.

Angry/Irritated/Frustrated

Young Children

Teach children to take a break and count to ten when feeling angry. Encourage them to express their feelings through art or play.

Teens

Teens should be encouraged to identify triggers and practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing.

Stressed

Teens

Help teens manage stress by promoting time management skills and encouraging regular physical activity and relaxation techniques.