These self-regulation coping strategies for children are useful when they’re in the classroom and feel anxious, upset, sad, unfocussed, or nervous. Try them at home too!
- Push against the wall as hard as I can, and then relax my body.
- Count from 1 to 10, and then from 10 to 1, in coordination with my breathing.
- Place my hands over my ears and breathe slowly and deeply, listening to the sound my breathing makes.
- Give myself or a stuffed toy a great big hug.
- Ask permission to take a short walk down the corridor or stairs, and then come back.
- Zoom in on my senses: 5 things I can see, 4 things I can feel, 3 things I can hear, 2 things I can smell, and 1 thing I can taste.
- Visualise a person in my life who supports me or cheers me on.
- Imagine a peaceful or calming place.
- Squeeze my fists together as hard as I can, hold, and then relax my hands.
- Ask if I can do my work standing up.
More On Mental Wellness From Tots to Teens:
What’s In Your Child’s Anxiety Toolkit?
