25 Coping Skills for Children with a Highly Sensitive Nervous System

Here are 25 tools for a coping skills toolbox that can be helpful for a child in managing their emotions and coping with challenging situations:

1. Stress Ball: A squeezable stress ball can help the child release tension and reduce anxiety.
2. Breathing Exercises: Include a visual guide or a simple breathing exercise card to help the child practice deep breathing techniques.
3. Fidget Toys: Small, quiet fidget toys like spinners, cubes, or putty can provide sensory stimulation and promote focus.
4. Sensory Bottle: Create a sensory bottle filled with glitter, beads, or calming colors for the child to shake and observe when feeling overwhelmed.
5. Positive Affirmation Cards: Include a set of cards with positive affirmations and encouraging messages for the child to read or recite.
6. Sensory Brush: A soft sensory brush can be used for gentle tactile stimulation to help regulate the child’s sensory experiences.
7. Calm-Down Corner Sign: Designate a sign or visual cue for the child’s calm-down corner, signaling a safe space for retreat.
8. Feelings Journal: Provide a personalized journal for the child to express and reflect on their emotions through writing or drawing.
9. Noise-canceling Headphones: Noise-cancelling headphones can help the child reduce sensory overload in noisy environments.
10. Sensory Putty: Offer sensory putty or clay for the child to manipulate and engage in tactile play.
11. Guided Imagery Recordings: Include audio recordings of guided imagery or relaxation exercises for the child to listen to when needed.
12. Visual Timers: Use a visual timer to help the child understand and manage time, particularly during transitions or waiting periods.
13. Comfort Object: Encourage the child to include a comfort object, such as a favorite stuffed animal or blanket, for reassurance.
14. Coloring Sheets: Provide coloring sheets and colored pencils for the child to engage in calming, creative activities.
15. Coping Skills Board Game: Introduce a coping skills board game that the child can play to learn and practice different coping strategies.
16. Sensory Socks or Gloves: Soft, textured socks or gloves can provide comforting tactile input for the child.
17. Coping Skills Workbook: Include a coping skills workbook with activities and exercises tailored to the child’s needs and interests.
18. Mindfulness Bell: A small bell or chime can be used as a mindfulness cue for the child to pause and focus on the present moment.
19. Sensory Chew Necklace: Provide a safe, chewable necklace for the child to use as a sensory tool for oral stimulation.
20. Nature Sounds Playlist: Curate a playlist of nature sounds or soothing music for the child to listen to for relaxation.
21. Emotion Cards: Use cards with various emotions depicted to help the child identify and express how they are feeling.
22. Sensory Tactile Cards: Create tactile cards with different textures for the child to touch and explore when seeking sensory input.
23. Coping Skills Puzzles: Include puzzles that showcase coping skills or positive affirmations for the child to assemble.
24. Sensory Bubble Timer: Provide a sensory bubble timer for the child to watch as a calming visual sensory tool.
25. Coping Skills Journal Prompts: Develop a list of journal prompts to inspire the child to explore their emotions and coping strategies.

These tools can be tailored to the child’s preferences and individual needs, providing a diverse array of options for managing emotions and promoting self-regulation. The coping skills toolbox serves as a resource for the child to access when they need support in navigating their emotions and finding comfort during challenging moments.