Fun activities to do with children that may be stressed, anxious, hyperactive, suffering from grief or loss, or just plain bored. Children often learn better to express themselves with hands-on activities. All of these activities can be tailored to the individual child.
Stress Ball and Fortune Teller Activities
One thing that is helpful for anger, stress, fidgeting, etc is to make a stress ball. You can make a stress ball by using a standard balloon, and either rice or flour. The only other tool you will need is a small funnel. Having the child make their own gives them a sense of control and accomplishment as well. I have found that it is helpful to double up the balloons to prevent breaking. Another great activity is the coping skill “fortune teller” activity. Who remembers making these as a kid??? I have attached one below.
(Click the below button to access and download this activity.)
Activities for Kids Coping with Grief
For grief, two things kids can do to process their feelings is to create a memory box of the person or pet they have lost, which can include anything they want to put in there. Typically a shoe box is a great size for this activity. Allow the child to decorate the outside with magazine clippings or whatever art supplies you have on hand. The second grief intervention is a goodbye letter for those children who are able to write, or they can talk, and you can write it for them. There are many prompts to get started with this letter if they are having trouble or they can just write. Journaling letters to the deceased is another way to process and cope with loss.
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About Jessica Carroll:
As a recent Graduate from Capella University’s Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, Jessica is now a Resident in working toward state licensure for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Jessica is an active member of the Chi Sigma Iota International Honor Society of Professional Counseling, as well as the American Counseling Association.
Jessica received her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services Counseling in 2004. She has 14 years of experience working in the counseling field. This includes working in a group home for severely abused and neglected children with an array of behavioral diagnoses. Jessica has also worked with adolescents with substance abuse concerns. Jessica is familiar with depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD as well as, mental health skill building, life coaching, parent partnership, and crisis intervention. To learn more about Jessica, visit HERE.