20 Coping Skills for Elementary School Children (K-5)

As part of our coping skills series blog posts, let's explore what's happening for kids and how to support them with coping at different ages.  Children in kindergarten through fifth grade are at a crucial stage of development, learning how to navigate their emotions and social interactions, including academics, friendship, and resilience development. Equipping them with effective coping skills can set a strong foundation for their emotional well-being. 

Here are 20 coping skills tailored for elementary school children that can be practiced at home!

1. Deep Breathing: Taking slow, deep breaths can help children calm their mind and body, reducing anxiety and stress. It's a simple technique that can be done anywhere and helps them focus on their breathing rather than the source of their stress.
2. Drawing or Coloring: Art provides an outlet for children to express their emotions non-verbally. It can help them process their feelings and divert their attention away from stress.
3. Physical Activity: Activities like jumping jacks or dancing help release endorphins, the body's natural stress relievers, and can boost mood and energy levels.
4. Reading a Book: Reading allows children to escape into different worlds, providing a mental break from their own worries. It also improves concentration and imagination.
5. Playing with a Pet: Interacting with pets can be soothing and provide emotional support, reducing feelings of loneliness and anxiety.
6. Building with Blocks/Legos/Magnatiles: Constructive play helps children focus and engage their creativity, which can distract them from stress and improve problem-solving skills.
7. Listening to Music: Music can influence mood, helping children feel calmer or more upbeat. It can also provide a sense of comfort and familiarity.
8. Gardening: Engaging with nature through gardening can be therapeutic, teaching patience and care while providing a sense of accomplishment.
9. Cooking or Baking: Simple cooking activities can be fun and distracting. Following recipes teaches focus and following instructions, while the act of creating something can be satisfying.
10. Journaling: Writing or drawing about their day allows children to express their thoughts and feelings, helping them process emotions and experiences.
11. Playing a Musical Instrument: If they play an instrument, it can be a great way to channel emotions and improve concentration and discipline.
12. Yoga: Simple yoga poses can help with relaxation, flexibility, and body awareness, promoting a sense of calm and well-being.
13. Hugging a Pillow: Physical comfort can ease emotional distress. Hugging a pillow can provide a sense of security and comfort.
14. Talking to a Family Member: Open communication encourages children to share their feelings and seek support, which can reduce feelings of isolation.
15. Creating a Gratitude List: Focusing on positives can shift their mindset from what’s going wrong to what’s going right, fostering a more positive outlook.
16. Playing Board Games: Board games can be a fun way to distract from stress while encouraging social interaction and cognitive skills.
17. Doing a Puzzle: Puzzles can help children focus, improve problem-solving skills, and provide a sense of achievement once completed.
18. Practicing Mindfulness: Simple mindfulness exercises help children stay present, reducing anxiety about past or future events.
19. Using a Stress Ball: Squeezing a stress ball can help release physical tension and provide a sensory distraction from stress.
20. Crafting: Engaging in arts and crafts can be a fun and relaxing activity that allows for creativity and expression.

Tips for Parents

• Modeling Coping Skills: Demonstrate how you use coping skills in your daily life. Children learn primarily by observing adults, so showing them how to handle stress effectively is crucial.  Make sure you're taking care of yourself, and using statements like "I love going for a run - it always makes me feel better!" as a way for them to link what you're doing with the intention behind it.
• Creating an Ideas Jar: Help your child make a jar filled with coping skill ideas (using words and/or pictures depending on your child's development) for your child to choose from. This can be kept in their room or on their bedside as a tool to lean on when they're flustered and can't come up with an idea on their own.

By incorporating these coping skills into their daily routine, children and teens can learn to manage their emotions more effectively and develop resilience. Parents play a crucial role in modeling and supporting these practices, creating a nurturing environment for emotional growth. 

If your child is struggling with their emotions or you feel like you're not able to help them manage their feelings, consider reaching out today. Early intervention can make a significant difference in their emotional development.