Coping Skills for Kids

Growing up in today's world can be hard!

There are so many things to think about: doing well in school, making and keeping friends, juggling extracurriculars, dealing with social media, caring for our planet, understanding AI...and growing up!

The cards in this deck give you powerful coping skills and strategies to manage anxiety, worry, and stress.

Remember, feeling negative or making mistakes are all part of growing up! The real magic lies in how you respond to them. 

HOW TO PLAY DIRECTIONS:

TO BUILD RESILIENCE MUSCLE:

Practice with one card a day.

  • Option 1: Draw a card at random each day.
  • Option 2: Focus on the same card for a week.

Pro Tips:

  1. Try doing the activities with a friend or parent.
  2. Carry the card with you or display it somewhere as a reminder.
  3. Write/draw your exercises and thoughts in a notebook.

TO FLEX YOUR RESILIENCE MUSCLE:

Apply a card to your life each day.

  • Option 1: Name an emotion you felt today, use a card exercise to help you feel better.
  • Option 2: Write down a negative thought, use a card to help you think differently.
  • Option 3: Recall an action you regret, use a card to help you react differently next time.

Pro Tips:

  1. Use the Heart cards to identify and understand your emotions.
  2. Reach for Diamond cards for taking responsible actions.
  3. The cards in the black suits are great for resolving conflicts.

TO PLAY AS A FAMILY CARD GAME:

War: Player with the highest card 3 times in a row draws a coping card for all the players to discuss.

Crazy Eights: When the suit changes, answer that card.

Go Fish, Memory, Pairs, Old Maid: Whoever gets a match picks a card for all to respond.