Tools in My Toolbox

The number one request I get from parents is probably increased coping skills for their kids. I created this Tools in my Toolbox visual for kids to remember some of the coping skills they’ve learned. It’s important for parents to remember that just because we know a coping skill cognitively doesn’t mean we can always access that skill. For example, I know about taking deep breaths, progressively relaxing groups of muscles at a time, and using positive affirmations. But if I’m stuck in traffic in 100 degree heat and I’m late to an important appointment and I can’t reach my phone in the floorboard, I’m probably not going to be in a place where I’m thinking to use any of those skills. Instead, my lizard brain takes over and I might honk the horn at the car in front of me or lash out at my partner when he tells me to calm down. Sound familiar? Kids may understand coping skills cognitively, but not always be at their most mature self to use them. At any rate, reviewing them doesn’t make us any less likely to use them. And we’re more likely to use them when we can see them and practice them before we get to the lizard brain phase. Here you’ll see one visual I created as well as a blank one to add your favorite skills.