Build a Coping Skills Bucket for Your Child: Tools to Help Kids Regulate Their Emotions

As parents, we’ve all seen those moments when our child feels overwhelmed, frustrated, or anxious—and we just want to help them calm down. But in the heat of the moment, kids often struggle to use the skills we’ve taught them. That’s where a Coping Skills Bucket comes in!

A Coping Skills Bucket is a go-to calming toolkit filled with simple, tangible items that help kids regulate their emotions, refocus their minds, and feel safe. These are the same types of tools I use in therapy sessions to help kids manage big feelings, and they can be just as effective at home!

If you want to build your own Coping Skills Bucket, here’s everything you need to get started. You can also check out my Amazon storefront for all my favorite go-to items!

Why a Coping Skills Bucket Helps Kids

When kids experience big emotions, their brains go into survival mode—meaning it’s hard for them to problem-solve or talk through their feelings in the moment. Having a pre-made bucket of calming tools gives them a simple way to reset without needing to think too much about what to do.

A Coping Skills Bucket can help kids:

✔️ Soothe their bodies through sensory tools

✔️ Engage their minds with distractions

✔️ Feel comforted and safe

✔️ Practice using healthy coping skills on their own

The key is to build the bucket together and encourage your child to practice using these items when they’re calm, so they’ll know what to do when they’re overwhelmed.

What to Put in Your Child’s Coping Skills Bucket

Every child is different, so you can customize your bucket to fit what helps your child the most! Here are some must-have items to get you started:

🧸 Weighted Stuffed Animal – A weighted plush provides deep pressure, which can be incredibly calming for kids. The extra weight feels like a gentle hug, helping them feel safe and grounded. I have this one in my office and it is an absolute favorite!

🛏️ Soft Blanket – Soft textures can be soothing, and wrapping up in a familiar blanket can help kids feel cozy and secure when emotions feel too big. I have this one!

🃏 Mindfulness Cards – Simple mindfulness exercises can help kids focus on the present moment. Try cards that guide kids through breathing techniques, grounding exercises, or positive affirmations. These ones are my favorite!

🎲 Games to Distract the Mind – Sometimes, the best way to regulate emotions is to take a break and redirect focus. A small puzzle, card game, or simple activity (like “I Spy” or a sensory scavenger hunt) can help kids shift their attention away from overwhelming thoughts. This one is perfect, especially for older kids!

🌀 Fidgets – Fidget tools like stress balls, putty, or textured sensory toys give kids something to do with their hands, helping release nervous energy and regulate emotions. A great pack!

How to Introduce the Coping Skills Bucket to Your Child

Once you’ve put together your child’s Coping Skills Bucket, it’s important to teach them how and when to use it.

Try saying something like:

🗣 “Everyone has big feelings sometimes, and that’s okay! When we feel upset, we can use things in our Coping Skills Bucket to help our brain and body calm down. Let’s look inside and see what helps you feel better!”

Then, practice using the tools when your child is already feeling calm. For example:

✅ Try the weighted stuffed animal during story time

✅ Practice fidgeting with a stress ball while watching TV

✅ Use a mindfulness card before bed

✅ Encourage your child to wrap up in their blanket when they’re relaxing

This way, when big feelings do show up, your child already knows how to use these tools and can reach for them on their own.

Final Thoughts

A Coping Skills Bucket is an easy and effective way to help kids regulate their emotions. By providing simple, sensory-friendly tools, we can give kids control over their own calming process, helping them feel more confident and capable when emotions feel overwhelming.

📌 Want to grab these items for your child? Check out my Amazon storefront for my favorite coping tools, and don’t forget to read my latest blog for even more ideas!