The last post published was Coping Skills Reminder Signs, and towards the end, I realized that I did not have an extensive list published of coping skills… and I cannot believe I’ve gone this long without making one. It’s really hit-or-miss online finding a list of coping skills for kids. Don’t get me wrong, there are some good ones out there, but I’ve had a hard time finding free, printable lists of more than 15-20 coping skills. So if you’re looking… voila, here it is.

You may call these “calming strategies,” “calming skills,” “calming techniques,” “coping strategies,” or something else. What you call them isn’t important… what IS important is that they help your child (or you!) calm down. As a therapist, I always tell clients, both children and adult, that coping skills don’t work the same for everybody. What works for me may not work for you. What works for you may not work for your kiddo. What works for one of your kiddos may not work for your other kiddo. Sometimes it’s a little bit of trial and error to figure out what works.

So here are 75 coping skills for kids to try. Usually, I recommend picking a few to try, then keeping track of what works and what doesn’t.

You can download this (with logo) to print by clicking here.

Not all of these may look familiar to you, so here is a list of them with explanations or links:

1. Snake breath – take a big, deep breath, then release it while make a “ssssssss” sound, like a snake
2. Bunny breath – take a breath by taking 3-4 little “sniffs” through your nose, then let the breath out through your nose
3. Bee breath – plug your ears, take a big, deep breath, then release your breath while making a “mmmm” sound
4. Box breath – breathe in for four seconds, hold for four seconds, then breathe out for four seconds
5. Shape Trace Breath – trace a shape (i.e., star, triangle, hexagon) while take deep breaths
6. Hand Trace Breath – trace your hand/fingers while taking deep breaths; breathe in while traveling up a finger and breathe out while traveling down the length of your finger
7. Hawk Hug – hug yourself like you love yourself! Hug yourself by placing your right hand on your left shoulder and your left hand on your right shoulder. Take a few deep breaths, then gently and slowly pat your shoulders with your hands, alternating sides.
8. Candle Breath – hold your hand in front of you like you’re holding a candle, then imagine blowing on the candle slowly and softly, so as not to blow it out
9. Ocean Breath – hold your hands over your ears, then breathe in and out of your nose (this will create sounds like ocean waves)
10. Rainbow Breath – hold your arms at your sides, arch them around and up over your head as your breathe in, then move them back down to your sides as you breathe out
11. Hot Chocolate Breath
12. Blow Bubbles
13. Push-Pull-Dangle
14. Stretch
15. Jumping Jacks
16. Yoga
17. Stress Ball
18. Fidget Toy
19. Play with PlayDough/Slime
20. Draw
21. Paint
22. Color
23. Listen to Music
24. Sing a Song
25. Dance!
26. Progressive Muscle Relaxation – tensing and release muscle groups. I usually recommend Angry Octopus (for young kids) or this YouTube video.
27. Watch something funny
28. Meditate (there are many guided meditations for kids on YouTube)
29. Cook or bake something
30. Calm Down Bottle
31. Play with sand
32. Punch a pillow
33. Ride a bike
34. Rip paper
35. Scream into a pillow
36. Garden
37. Create/Build something
38. Craft
39. Count to 10
40. Count to 100
41. Count by 3s
42. Count backwards from 100
43. Count in a different language
44. Play outside
45. Take a bath/shower
46. Jump on a trampoline
47. Origami
48. Do a puzzle
49. Journal
50. Visualize your happy place – have your child pick a place that makes them happy, then close their eyes and imagine they are there
51. 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding
52. Make a bracelet/necklace
53. Jump rope
54. Play a game
55. Read a book
56. Play an instrument
57. Look at cartoons
58. List your favorite things
59. Cuddle a stuffed animal
60. Go for a walk
61. Make a list of things you’re thankful for
62. Drink water
63. Pray
64. Cuddle a pet
65. Tell a joke
66. Smell something good
67. Clean/organize something
68. Take a nap
69. Move in slow motion
70. Use positive self-talk
71. Talk to someone
72. Use an I-feel statement
73. Ask for a hug
74. Play a sport
75. Paint your nails

Some tips for getting your child to use coping skills:

• Practice when they’re happy/in a good mood!
• Model these for your children – they’re more likely to do something if they see you do it.
• Praise your child for using coping skills!
• Prompt your child to use a coping skill when you see them getting upset.
• Consider making a Coping Skills Reminder Sign.

I hope this is a helpful list! I’d love for you to leave me a comment with the coping skill that works best for your child!

Disclaimer: I am a licensed mental health therapist, but I am not your therapist. The information in this article is for general informational purposes only. This article does not create a therapist-client relationship. If you need specific recommendations based on your individual circumstances, please consult with a mental health practitioner near you.