BIGFeels NYC
SEL Coaching
Coping With Stress & Anxiety
Unlocking coping skills for stress and anxiety helps children recognize when they're feeling overwhelmed, use calming strategies independently, and manage uncomfortable feelings in healthy ways. These important self-management skills help children stay in control of their responses even when situations feel challenging or uncertain.
It can be difficult for children to manage stress and anxiety, especially when they're worried about things that feel beyond their control, or they haven't yet learned effective coping skills. This isn't a sign of weakness or fragility—these are developing skills that strengthen with practice, patience, and the right support.
Through activities and coaching, BIGFeels NYC helps children develop their capacity to recognize stress, use coping strategies effectively, and ask for support when they need it.
How We Help Children Build Coping Skills for Stress & Anxiety
Children practice five core abilities that support stress management and emotional resilience:
Coaching For Kids Coping With Stress & Anxiety
BIGFeels NYC uses evidence-based activities designed to strengthen stress management and emotional resilience:
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Body signal awareness activities (recognizing physical signs of stress)
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Breathing exercises and calming techniques (4-7-8 breathing, belly breathing, box breathing)
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Sensory calming tools (fidgets, weighted items, calming jars)
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Personal "calm-down toolkit" creation (strategies tailored to each child)
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Gradual exposure to minor stressors (building tolerance in safe settings)
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Mindfulness and grounding exercises (5-4-3-2-1 technique, body scans)
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Feelings check-ins and emotional vocabulary building
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Reflection on successful calming moments (building confidence)
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"Help-seeking" language practice (clear, direct requests for support)
We work with families to create custom strategies that honor your child's unique needs and support their developing capacity to manage stress and anxiety with confidence. Download our breathing techniques handout below or book your free consultation today: