# data[].attributes.body
Love in a Big World

# data[].attributes.body
Teamwork makes the difference!

# data[].attributes.headline
Think first to understnad then to be understood

# data[].attributes.subject
Think first to understnad then to be understood

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Jumper and the Lost Butterfly Net - Habit 5

# data[].attributes.body
Thinking with the end in mind

# data[].attributes.body
put first things first

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Remote Learning Solution Looking for a way to share our videos with your students via Google Classroom, Seesaw, etc.? If you'd like to give your students home access to our library of episodes, click here to access the shareable links. MY EPISODES [memberonly

# data[].attributes.body
SEL lessons for 3-5

# data[].attributes.body
Emotional activities to share feelings

# data[].attributes.body
K-2nd grade activities to help deal with the changes due to Covid19

# data[].attributes.body
3-5th grade activities to help deal with changes due to Covid19

# data[].attributes.body
Learn easy hands on techniques on how to calm your anxiety.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This page contains affiliate links, read the disclosure statement Inside: Kid tested strategies used by child therapists for calming anxiety, including ideas to calm down, books to read and videos that can help
It's happening again. Your daughter is frustrated and stomping away down to her room, slamming the door and in general "has her cranky pants on". You say calm down, but she yells back "I don't know how to do that!!!"

We tend to tell our kids to "calm down" without ever giving them explicit directions on how to deal with stress and anxiety. Here's a collection of the best tools and tips I've found to teach children how to calm down and relax.

Sometimes you'll need a quick way to help your child calm down and you don't have much with you. Maybe it's when you're out at Target or stuck in traffic. These tips will come in handy at those times:

Imagine your favorite place - it's like taking a mini vacation wherever you are

Think of your favorite things

Name animals alphabetically (alligator, bear, cow, dog, etc...)

Squeeze Something (play dough, clay, silly putty, your fists, a stress ball)

Get a Cold Drink of Water

54321 Grounding - go through each of your 5 senses

1. Put your arms straight out in front of you, palms facing out.

2. Put one hand over the other at the wrists and interlace your fingers.

3. Swoop your hands and arms toward your body and then place your interlaced hands on your chest.

4. Cross your feet at the ankles and put your tongue on the roof of your mouth.

5. Stay still for one minute.

It's great to have a big list of coping skills to try when your child needs to calm down. Here are two more short lists of ideas for calming down at home or at school.

From Imperfect Families - Strategies to use at home

From Encourage Play - 10 Strategies to Help Kids Calm Down at school or home

People usually roll their eyes initially when they hear "breathing is important". But I will continue to say it and explain why. It's so simple, yet has such a big impact on your body's physiology.

When you and calm and relaxed, your body is in "rest and digest" mode. You breathe normally, your heart rate is lower and your muscles are relaxed. However, when stress or anxiety or anger occurs, your body automatically switches into "flight, fight or freeze" mode. Your muscles tense up, your heart rate increases and your breathing becomes more shallow.

Taking deep breaths, instead of shallow breaths, is one way to tell your body to get back to resting and digesting. That's why deep breathing is important!

Luckily, there are some fun ways to teach kids deep breathing techniques

Things to use

Things to say

Breathe in like you are smelling a flower, breathe out like you are blowing out birthday candles

Arms up and breathe in, arms down and breathe out

Pretend your belly is a balloon. Breathe in and make the balloon bigger, then breathe out and make the balloon shrink.

Videos to watch
4 - 7 - 8 Breathing by GoZen
Breathing at Sea Otter Cove from Stress Free Kids

A Coping Skills Toolbox is a kit that you create to help your child calm down when they are upset, anxious or worried. In order to get the most benefit from this, you should create this kit before an issue occurs. When your child experiences anxiety, then they can pick out an item from their Coping Skills Toolbox. This is one of my favorite ways to help kids learn to calm their anxiety.

Here are some other fantastic ideas for what to put in a coping skills toolbox/calm down kit from And Next Comes L

You can create a place specially designed to allow to calm down in a few steps

Find a spot and make it cozy (ask your child for help with that - maybe they can place a favorite blanket or stuffed animal inside)

Add calming tools

Explain how to use it and practice before

When they are starting to escalate, catch it early and give them a calm reminder about their calm down spot

Use the following phrases as a way to support your child, let them know that you're going to support them and help them in any way that you can.

"I'm here for you"

"Talk to me and tell me what's going on"

"How can I help?"

"Together, we can work on this. We're a great team"

"I love you"

"Do you want a hug?"

Here are some more ideas of what to say to calm an anxious child.

From Go Zen - 49 Phrases to Calm an Anxious Child

From Lemon Lime Adventures - What to Say to Calm an Anxious Child

Did you know there are podcasts with stories for children? Usually the hosts have a soothing voice and the stories tend to be pretty short. Your child can listen to these podcasts as a way to have some down time.

There are scripts you can read to your child to help them relax and calm down. Slowly and carefully read the words as your child listens and follows the instructions. Check out Inner Health Studios list of scripts you can use with your child. If you prefer not to read a script, there are ones that are pre-recorded.

There are also scripts to practice mindfulness with children. Eline Snel has written a great book on Mindfulness with Kids, Sitting Still Like a Frog. Here are the several scripts that can be used from that book!

Annaka Harris also has several pre-recorded scripts to help kids practice mindfulness

Confused about how to introduce mindfulness to kids? Check out these resources:
Simple Ways to Introduce Mindfulness and Meditation to Children 11 Simple But Effective Ways to Teach Mindfulness to Kids
What you need:

I've used empty soda bottles, empty water bottles, glass jars and plastic containers. Use whatever makes sense for you and your family. For instance, for the calming jars the kids have in their room, I used a heavy duty plastic bottle. I didn't want them to accidentally knock over a glass jar in the dark - that would be a huge mess!

I've had the best results when I've used warm water - it makes it easier for the water and paint to combine.
Glitter Paint
I prefer using glitter paint (or glitter glue) instead of glitter because then I'm not cleaning up glitter for weeks at my house after we make them :-)

To make your jar, add glitter paint to the bottom of the jar until it just covers the bottom of it. Add warm water. Put the cover on and shake to help the ingredients combine. Once you are satisfied with the look of your jar, then you can super glue the lid shut so it doesn't spill. In a pinch, I've also used duct tape to secure the lid.
Watch Make a Simple Calming Jar from Coping Skills for Kids on YouTube Wet Ingredients
Sometimes you want the glitter/other items to stay afloat longer or for a shorter amount of time. Here are some different ingredients you can use as the wet ingredients.
Dry Ingredients
To see several other ways to make calming jars, take a look at what Preschool Inspirations did.

One of the first things I always like to do with kids if they are struggling is to start using visuals. When you're stressed and anxious, it's harder to read and take in information. Visuals are easier.

I like to keep calming cue cards in my children's coping skills toolboxes so that they can make a decision about what coping skill they can use. Sometimes pulling out a list is too much in the moment. You can make your own cue cards.

1. Take several index cards or small pieces of cardstock

2. On each one, write or draw one coping skill

3. Hole punch the cards and place them on a keyring (to make them extra sturdy, you can laminate them)

4. Put them into the coping skills toolbox for easy access

Using visuals is a powerful way to help kids. When kids are overwhelmed, sometimes it's hard for them to figure out what to do. By having cue cards, your child can have a visual reminder of what calms and relaxes them.

To make things a little easier, I've created ready to use coping skills cue cardsfor you. There are four different sets: Calming, Physical, Distracting, and Processing. If you'd like all 4, I created a set where you can download them all together.

If your child is anxious, they may also be having a difficult time getting settled for bedtime. Here are some ideas to help your child get settled at bedtime.

PINPOINT WHAT THE FEAR IS

One of the most important things to do is to figure out exactly what is causing the anxiety. Is it fear of the dark? Is it a worry about something in the closet? Is it monsters? Is it spiders? Figuring out the cause of the fear will help you come up with ways you can help your child combat it.

REARRANGE THE ROOM

Are there particular spots of the room that seem to be darker or cause more fear at night than others? Go into the bedroom during the day with your child and talk about the spots that make your child nervous. Try moving night lights and furniture around for a more calming room arrangement.

TRANSITIONAL OBJECTS

If your child has a hard time separating from you, try a transitional object. This is a special item that helps your child feel comforted. It helps them feel like part of you is still present even when you're not there. It could be something like a stuffed animal or a special stone or necklace, or a sweatshirt of yours. The object isn't what matters, it's what the object represents. They can keep it and hold it all night long to help them relax and go to sleep.

Find more strategies here: 12 Kid Friendly Strategies to Calm Anxiety at Night

Looking for some calming guided meditation to help get to sleep at night? Try one of these: Best Guided Meditations for Sleep.

Whenever I sit down and talk with someone about their coping skills, one of the first
things I ask is if they have tried writing about it. Why do I always start with journaling as
a way of processing through difficult feelings?

It's easier to write about than talk about hard things

Journaling helps you process what's happening.

It's convenient.

It's not graded

It can help you solve a problem

It can help you re-frame your thinking

Looking for a journal for a child or teen? Check out Big Life Journals!

General Anxiety

The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook by Janine Halloran. This book has over 75 strategies for kids to try to help them manage their stress and worry. This book also includes colorful worksheets to help kids learn more about their anxiety and what they can do to manage their stress.

Wilma Jean the Worry Machine by Julia Cook I love that when Wilma Jean's physical reactions are described, they're also illustrated. When is says she has knots in her stomach and her knees lock, her stomach really looks like it's tied in a knot and there's a real lock around her knees. I love the activity she does with her teacher, going over worries she can control and worries she can't, it's a great way to help kids manage their anxiety.

David and the Worry Beast by Anne Marie Guanci David's anxiety is a beast, and the more anxious he gets, the bigger it grows. David learns to control his thoughts, and his beast shrinks. There's also a couple of pages for parents and kids in the back.

When My Worries Get Too Big by Kari Dunn Buron This book is wonderful! There are several pages where kids can add in their own thoughts, worries and what helps them relax. This book also uses the 5 point scale to talk about stress and different ways to manage it.

What To Do When You Worry Too Much by Dawn Huebner, PhD This book goes through several ways that can help kids manage anxiety, including setting a time for worries, thinking about things that make you happy and resetting your body with activity or relaxation. There are some interactive places in this book, where a child can write down their worries, draw some images of things that might help, etc.

What To Do When You're Scared and Worried by James J. Crist This is one of my favorite books for kids to help them deal with anxiety. Near the beginning of the book is a checklist that helps kids narrow down what they are anxious about. The beginning of the book covers the basics of what anxiety is and how to help manage with coping skills. The next section of the book goes into detail about different types of anxiety kids might experience, including Separation Anxiety, Phobias and Panic Attacks.

Separation Anxiety

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn Classic about managing separation anxiety when kids start school. My daughter's kindergarten teacher read this on our visit to school the first day.

When I miss you by Cornelia Maude Spelman This is perfect for little ones who have a hard time dealing with the fact that they are away from their parents during the day. It suggests a couple of things they can do to help and reassurance that parents will come back at the end of the day.

Wemberley Worried by Kevin Henkes Poor Wemberley worries about everything, and then she gets really worried when she is about to start school.

This E-Course offers you instant support from a Child Therapist.
You will get:
12 Videos that are quick and bite size

14 Exercises that will expand on the skills taught

6 Cheat Sheets that will serve as a reference
Along with the course you get:
Access to the instructor for ongoing support

Downloadable PDF versions of all lessons

Lifetime access to the course

More from Coping Skills for Kids about Anxiety in Children...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Calming Anxiety - Coping Skills for Kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Inside: Kid tested strategies used by child therapists for calming anxiety, including ideas to calm down, books to read and videos that can help

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Filter Lessons by: Free Social Emotional Learning Activities (Updated 3/6/2020) Welcome to our free Social Emotional Learning Activities page. Below you will find free resources - lessons, activities, and printables - in the following skill areas: Communication, Cooperation, Emotion Regulation, Empathy, Impulse Control, and Social Initiation. These resources are age-appropriate

# data[].attributes.body
Building resilience during stressful times

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
General Resilience - Committee for Children

# data[].attributes.body
Learn how to calm down and other emotional resources to do with your family

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Emotional Intelligence Podcast | The Imagine Neighborhood

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Imagine Neighborhood is an emotional intelligence podcast. Kids storytelling to help build social emotional skills.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Explore feelings and sharing games with your favorite PBS KIDS characters like Daniel Tiger, Clifford, Elmo, Donkey Hodie, and Xavier Riddle!

# data[].attributes.body
Great way to virtually calm down

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Sometimes life gets challenging or overwhelming. At the Osseo Area Learning Center, we have a Calming Room to help students and staff explore strategies to deal with those challenges. When you are out in the world and there isn't a calming room, here are some resources to help you find new ways to manage life and emotions.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Last Updated on

Anxiety is something that has been in my life since before I can remember. I always hoped that my kids wouldn't experience anxiety, but my teen daughter, Jenelle, has had a lot of anxiety for the past few years. I think it started when she dealt with bullying in elementary school. This list of Free Relaxation Apps for Teens with Anxiety is something that took me a while to put together, because I wanted to make sure Jenelle and I personally used each of the apps before recommending them. The apps listed here have helped us tremendously, each in a different way. There are also anxiety apps for kids.

While you're here, check out my other anxiety posts:

- Ultimate Gift Guide for Anxious Teens
- CBD Oil for Anxiety
- Reduce Anxiety With Bullet Journaling
- 9 Alternatives to Saying "Calm Down" to your Anxious Teen

Click the image of the app to be taken to the iTunes store. All of these apps are free! If you have an Android, simply search Google Play to see if they're available for Android.

Free Online Therapy Apps for Teens
7 Cups
7 Cups offers free anonymous emotional support and counseling from trained active listeners. There are real listeners available 24/7 and it's completely free. There is an option to pay for actual therapists as well but I haven't used that option. Get more details by checking out my full 7 Cups Review.

Talkspace is another free online therapy app. You get a free initial consultation. After that, they charge to connect you with a licensed therapist. If it helps your teen, it's worth the cost ($32 a week), but I recommend trying 7Cups first because it's 100% free and super helpful.

Mood Tracker Apps

MoodTrack is my favorite mood track app for teens and for myself. You simply put in your mood, any notes you want to add, and rate it 1-5. The app tracks your app and shows you a graph, which is helpful for teens to track mood swings and anxiety.

Moods is, you guessed it, a mood tracking app. Teens find this one simple and easy to use because it takes just a few moments to track your mood each day.

Relaxation and Mindfulness Apps for Teens

Hear and Now measures your body stress by taking the pulse in your finger through your phone's camera. You can set daily reminders for deep breathing exercises. Though other apps have guided breathing, Hear and Now's guided breathing is my favorite. You can set the number of breaths you take, and they have suggestions as well. Love this app.

When your teen downloads the MindShift app, they'll be greeted with a welcome message telling them there are steps they can take to stop anxiety from controlling their lives. This app is good for helping teens work through their anxiety rather than avoiding issues that are causing it.

Anxiety can cause insomnia. Teens especially can have difficulties sleeping because they feel pressure to always be "on" (with their phones, computers, etc). Combining over 100 relaxation sounds, melodies, binaural beats and white noise, Relax Melodies allows you to create your very own relaxing soundscapes. Can play for a specified period of time or all night.

MANAGE STRESS. LIVE HAPPIER. Pacifica offers daily tools for stress and anxiety as well as a supportive community. This app is unique as their tools are based onCognitive Behavioral Therapy & Meditation.

Calm is the #1 app for mindfulness and meditation for teens. Even if your teen has never done any meditation before, Calm's guided meditations will walk them through it. They also have breathing programs, relaxing music, and sleep stories. Recommended by top psychologists.

Aura walks your teen through 3-minute meditations to help you calm and destress. You let Aura know how you're feeling, and the app chooses the best meditation for you. Aura also offers mood tracking and daily reminders for breathing exercises.

Calming Coloring Apps for Teens

Colorfy is a free coloring app. Coloring can be relaxing and is a great creative outlet for teens and adults. There are many other free coloring apps, you can find them on iTunes or in Google Play. There's no real need to pay for a coloring app with so many free options. Coloring can help with grounding and destressing for those with anxiety.

More help for coping with anxiety

Apps are helpful to have when your teen is on the go, and for when they're in bed at night and their minds are swirling. Jenelle sometimes describes it as "everything is moving too fast". Unplugging is one of the best ways to help destress and reduce anxiety in these situations. Unfortunately, some teens are SO plugged in, that unplugging will actually cause more anxiety. Setting healthy boundaries for your teen's phone and internet usage will help in the long run.

I'm working with Jenelle and her friend, Stephani, to create an anxiety journal for teens. In the meantime, check out these journals I found on Amazon. Click here to sign up for my email list so you will be notified when our anxiety journal is finished!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
11 Free Relaxation Apps for Teens With Anxiety

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Last Updated on Anxiety is something that has been in my life since before I can remember. I always hoped that my kids wouldn't experience anxiety, but my teen daughter, Jenelle, has had a lot of anxiety for the past few years. I think it started when she dealt with bullying in elementary school.

# data[].attributes.body
resources to teach social and emotional lessons from home

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The way our communities learn is changing faster than ever.

Harmony brings evidence-based social and emotional learning (SEL) resources to educators, students, and families at no cost. Our innovative online tools support SEL as educators and families navigate distance learning, modified classroom protocols, and hybrid classes. Provide inclusive, whole-child education with Harmony.

Why Choose Harmony?

Harmony offers social and emotional learning resources for teachers, administrators, program managers, and families at no cost. The Online Learning Portal empowers users to drive inclusive social and emotional development for Pre-K-6 students through lessons, activities, stories, songs, and games. Learn how you can equip students with the skills to connect and communicate with peers, manage their feelings, think critically, and grow into caring and compassionate adults.

Get Started

Bring Harmony to your classroom today. Register and log in to our Online Learning Portal.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The way our communities learn is changing faster than ever. Harmony brings evidence-based social and emotional learning (SEL) resources to educators, students, and families at no cost. Our innovative online tools support SEL as educators and families navigate distance learning, modified classroom protocols, and hybrid classes. Provide inclusive, whole-child education with Harmony.

# data[].attributes.body
love this movie

# data[].attributes.body
Believe in yourself!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
CGI Animated Short Film "Soar" by Alyce Tzue | CGMeetup

# data[].attributes.body
wonderful book!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires

# data[].attributes.body
a kindness short film

# data[].attributes.body
Heartwarming video

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Present - CGI Awarded short film (2014)

# data[].attributes.body
Perfect for calming down and breathing

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Help kids understand corona virus covid 19 and reduce anxiety story for | how to explain to children

# data[].attributes.body
keep trying!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
THE DOT | Growth Mindset Children's Book Read Aloud

# data[].attributes.body
Persevere

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Trolls (2016) - Get Back Up Again Scene (5/10) | Movieclips

# data[].attributes.body
Growth mindset video

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Justin Timberlake - CAN'T STOP THE FEELING! (from DreamWorks Animation's "TROLLS") (Official Video)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Positive Mirror Affirmations - Big Life Journal

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Make Your Own Yoga Flipbook - Big Life Journal (1)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Kindness Rocks Activity - big life journal copy

# data[].attributes.body
use these worksheets to help learn new ways in calming down.