If you’re on social media or unless you live under a rock, you’ve undoubtedly heard adults lamenting and hand-wringing about “why are kids so soft these days?” Every generation has their “kids these days” moments. But admittedly, back in the 1970s, you never would have seen a kids activity like coping skills coloring pages.
Sure, we had coloring pages, coloring books and crayons. But they were either TV-themed or just generic pictures.
We could argue all day long about “kids these days” and whether or not we’re going forward or backward as a society and who is to blame.
[fluentform id="4"]Yes, I have lots of clients who need help with coping skills, both at home and at school. And, teaching coping skills should be a 360-degree, multi-sensory approach.
You cannot just talk to a child or tell them what to do. There has to be real-life, in the moment teaching and feedback. There has to be reflection and discussion after an incident. There has to be pre teaching and preparing for future incidents.
And, you want to engage the child in talking about coping skills in low risk situations. Coloring pages and coping skills coloring sheets do just that.
With 26 different options, surely there is a coping skill for every child to try and put in their coping toolbox.
Coloring has so many benefits.
Therapeutic Benefits of Coloring
I love adding coloring pages or coloring to my clients’ IEPs. Coloring is so easy to individualize, and almost everyone loves to do it. And since coloring is being embraced by adults and teens alike, it’s perfect for any age.
- task initiation (coloring something is an easy task to start for many)
- task completion (make sure you choose a page that the person can complete)
- practice and develop fine motor skills
- storytelling (why did you color it that way?)
- language development
- peaceful, calming
- can be done independently or in a group
- hand-eye coordination or visual motor skills
- helps unlock creativity
- attention to detail
This can be a great individual, small group or even large group activity.
Social Emotional Learning Resources- SEL
- 25 Games to Help Teens Learn and Develop Social Skills
- 78 Social Skills IEP Goals for all Ages, including Autism and High School
- 25 (free!) Evidence-Based Games and Activities to Learn Social Skills
- What are Social Awareness Skills? | Definition | Examples | EQ
- 26 Free Coping Skills Coloring Pages (PDF sheets)
- What is Social Emotional Learning? A Guide for Parents
- 18 IEP Goals for Self-Regulation Skills (examples)
- How and Why to Build Social Capital for your Disabled Child
- Social Emotional Learning Activities for Middle School and High School
- Core Memories for Kids and SEL
Lastly, don’t miss all the other great coloring pages I have on this site.
Mindfulness and Mental Health Coloring Pages
- Kindness Coloring Pages
- Simple Coloring Worksheets
- 26 Free Coping Skills Coloring Pages
- Friendship Coloring Pages
- Mental Health Coloring Pages
- Mandala Coloring Pages
- Emotions Coloring Pages
- Free Mental Health Planner and Workbook
- 5 Ways to Advocate for Your Friends with Mental Health Issues (or yourself!)
- 10 Mental Health Tips for IEP Moms
- 12 Free Emotions Coloring Pages PDF
Mindfulness
- Free Kindness Coloring Pages (PDF sheets)
- 26 Free Coping Skills Coloring Pages (PDF sheets)
- 23 Mindfulness Activities for Kids and Teens
- 16 Free Finger Tracing Calming Cards
- Ocean Themed Finger Tracing Cards
- Valentine’s Day Yoga for All Ages: Free Printable Yoga Cards
- How to Calm Yourself Down: 5 Activities for Any Environment
- Triangle Breathing: A Simple Stress Relief Technique for All Ages (free worksheet!)
- Positive Self Talk: 10 Free Worksheets for Kids and Adults
- Do Chair Bands for ADHD work?
- 15 Affordable Calm Down Corner Ideas for School or Home
- What is the Star Breathing Technique for Kids?
- What is the 5 Finger Breathing Technique to Calm Kids?
- 115 Morning Meeting Questions and Ideas for All Ages
- Does mindfulness work?
