⚡ Quick Exit

Welcome to Skills for Children

Nurturing children's well-being and enhancing their self-efficacy. Practical resources for parents, therapists, educators, and professionals to support the development of essential life skills in young minds.

🌟 Resource Spotlight

Try Something New

A fun, upbeat song designed to teach children the power of a Growth Mindset. Using bright piano, happy ukulele, and a catchy chorus, this video reminds kids that mistakes are just part of learning and that their brains are getting stronger every time they try!

🧩 Sensory-Friendly Design: Low-stimulation visuals with slow-paced animation and gentle colors help children focus without becoming overstimulated.

🧠 What This Song Teaches:

  • The Power of "YET" - You can't do it... yet!
  • Neuroplasticity - Your brain grows like a muscle
  • Resilience - Getting back up when you fall
  • Patience - It's okay to go slow

Curating resources is hard work! Keep the site alive and ad-free!
Even a buck helps! ☕

Buy Me A Coffee

Resources for Professionals & Families

Curated free resources for supporting children's development and trauma recovery

Share these resources! Use the "Copy Link" button on any resource to copy the URL to your clipboard. You can then paste and share it with clients, families, or colleagues.

Skills for Children: K-5 Professional Development

Essential resources supporting children's development across eight foundational areas

🧠 Executive Function & Focus

10 resources
Caregivers 🌐 Website

Understanding Executive Function

Harvard's comprehensive guide to executive function skills and how they develop in children

Harvard Center on the Developing Child

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📖 Guide

Executive Function Activities

Practical activities to build executive function skills at home and school

Understood.org

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Activity List

Games to Improve Executive Function

Fun, research-backed games that strengthen planning and organization skills

ADDitude Magazine

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Article

Executive Function Coaching for Kids

Strategies parents can use to coach children in executive skills development

Parent Toolkit

Open Resource →
Caregivers 🌐 Website

Working Memory Activities

Exercises to strengthen working memory in elementary-aged children

Understood.org

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📖 Guide

Organization Skills for Kids

Age-appropriate organizational strategies for home and school

Verywell Family

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Article

Time Management for Elementary Students

Teaching children to plan, prioritize, and manage their time effectively

Scholastic

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Article

Attention and Focus Exercises

Evidence-based strategies to improve sustained attention in children

Child Mind Institute

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Printable

Executive Function Printable Checklists

Visual supports and checklists for planning and task completion

Teachers Pay Teachers

Open Resource →
Professionals 📌 Article

Strengthening Executive Function in Schools

Classroom strategies for building executive function across the school day

Edutopia

Open Resource →

💭 Mindset & Emotional Awareness

12 resources
Caregivers 🎬 Video

Carol Dweck's TED Talk: The Power of Believing That You Can Improve

Core introduction to growth vs fixed mindset from the researcher who coined the term

TED / Stanford University

Open Resource →
Children 🎮 Interactive

Growth Mindset for Kids

Interactive lessons teaching children about brain plasticity and growth mindset

Stanford PERTS

Open Resource →
Professionals 📌 Curriculum

Mindset Works Resources & Programs

PreK-3 GEM curriculum and educator professional development

Mindset Works

Open Resource →
Professionals 📌 Online Lessons

Stanford PERTS Mindset Kit

Free growth mindset lessons and practices for educators

Stanford University PERTS

Open Resource →
Professionals 📌 Online Course

Growth Mindset for Teachers Course

Teacher training on growth mindset concepts and practices (45 minutes)

Stanford University PERTS

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Online Course

Growth Mindset for Parents Course

Parent resources to develop growth mindset at home (30 minutes)

Stanford University PERTS

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Printable Activities

Big Life Journal Free Weekly Printables

Free weekly growth mindset worksheets and Parent's Guide

Big Life Journal

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Curated List

Growth Mindset Books List

Bibliography including The Dot, Beautiful Oops!, Ish, and more

Big Life Journal

Open Resource →
Professionals 🌐 Website

Emotional Intelligence Resources

Free SEL resources for teaching emotional awareness and regulation

Committee for Children

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📖 Guide

Teaching Kids About Emotions

Age-appropriate strategies for building emotional vocabulary

Zero to Three

Open Resource →
Children 📌 Activity Guide

Self-Awareness Activities for Kids

Reflective exercises to help children understand their thoughts and feelings

Big Life Journal

Open Resource →
Professionals 📌 Framework

CASEL Core Competencies

Gold standard SEL framework including self-awareness and social awareness

CASEL

Open Resource →

⚖️ Self-Regulation & Coping

14 resources
Caregivers 📌 Visual Tools

The Zones of Regulation Free Resources

Official free emotion visuals and guides from creator Leah Kuypers

Zones of Regulation

Open Resource →
Professionals 📌 Framework

CASEL SEL Framework

Gold standard SEL framework with 5 core competencies including self-management

CASEL

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📖 Guide

Self-Regulation Skills

Age-appropriate strategies for helping young children develop self-control

Zero to Three

Open Resource →
Caregivers 🌐 Website

Coping Skills for Kids

Evidence-based coping strategies for children experiencing anxiety

Child Mind Institute

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Printable Resources

Calm Down Corner Free Printables

Breathing exercises, calming strategies, visual supports

Your Therapy Source

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Printable Resources

Calm Down Corner Printables (Mental Health Center Kids)

15 free breathing and coping strategy printables

Mental Health Center Kids

Open Resource →
Children 🎬 Video

Belly Breathing Exercises

Elmo demonstrates belly breathing for emotional regulation

Sesame Street

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📖 Guide

Mindfulness for Children

Age-appropriate mindfulness practices to build awareness and calm

Mindful Magazine

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Article

Emotional Regulation Strategies

Teaching children to identify, understand, and manage big feelings

PBS Parents

Open Resource →
Children 📝 Worksheet

Coping Skills Toolkit

Visual reference of 50+ coping strategies organized by category

Coping Skills for Kids

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Article

Stress Management for Kids

Recognizing signs of stress in children and teaching healthy responses

KidsHealth

Open Resource →
Children 🎬 Video

Yoga and Movement for Regulation

Kid-friendly yoga and relaxation videos for body-based coping

Cosmic Kids Yoga

Open Resource →
Children 📄 PDF

Progressive Muscle Relaxation Script

Guided exercise tensing and releasing muscle groups to reduce tension

Anxiety Canada

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Activity List

Sensory Regulation Activities

Movement and sensory input activities that support emotional regulation

Your Therapy Source

Open Resource →

💬 Communication & Social Skills

10 resources
Children 📝 Worksheet

I-Messages and Conflict Resolution Worksheets

Structured communication tool for expressing feelings assertively

Free Printable Behavior Charts

Open Resource →
Professionals 📌 Online Curriculum

Harmony SEL Curriculum (PreK-6)

Free comprehensive SEL curriculum covering diversity, empathy, communication

Harmony Academy

Open Resource →
Children 📌 Activity Guide

Conflict Resolution Worksheets

Trust-building and problem-solving exercises for elementary students

Worksheet Place

Open Resource →
Professionals 🎬 Video

Praising the Process Video

Professional development on effective praise strategies that build communication

Teaching Channel / PERTS

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Activity Guide

Social Skills Activities

Free activities for teaching turn-taking, sharing, and cooperation

Social Skills Central

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Article

Active Listening for Kids

Teaching children to focus, understand, and respond thoughtfully

PBS Parents

Open Resource →
Professionals 📌 Curriculum

Friendship Skills Lessons

Second Step lessons on making friends, joining groups, and maintaining relationships

Committee for Children

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Activity List

Conversation Skills for Children

Activities to practice initiating, maintaining, and ending conversations appropriately

Speech and Language Kids

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📝 Worksheet

Nonverbal Communication Activities

Teaching children to read and use body language, facial expressions, and tone

Therapy Worksheets

Open Resource →
Children 📝 Worksheet

Assertiveness vs Aggression

Helping children express needs respectfully without being passive or aggressive

Therapist Aid

Open Resource →

👐 Sensory Processing

20 resources
Caregivers 🌐 Website

Understanding Sensory Processing

Comprehensive overview of sensory processing differences in children

Understood.org

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Activity Guide

STAR Institute Sensory Activities

Research-based sensory integration activities from leading SPD institute

STAR Institute

Open Resource →
Caregivers 🌐 Website

SPD Foundation Resources

Parent education materials on recognizing and supporting sensory differences

SPD Foundation

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Activity List

Sensory Diet Activities

Scheduled sensory input activities to help children stay regulated throughout the day

Your Therapy Source

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Activity List

Proprioceptive Activities for Kids

Heavy work and movement activities that calm and organize the nervous system

The Dabbling Speechie

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Activity Guide

Vestibular System Activities

Balance and movement activities supporting spatial awareness and coordination

Harkla

Open Resource →
Professionals 📌 Activity List

Sensory Breaks for the Classroom

Quick sensory input activities teachers can integrate throughout the school day

Sensory Toolbox

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Activity Guide

Tactile Sensory Activities

Touch-based activities for children seeking or avoiding tactile input

Playwork Chicago

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📖 Guide

Auditory Processing Support

Strategies for children with auditory processing challenges

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Activity List

Visual Sensory Activities

Activities supporting visual tracking, discrimination, and processing

Growing Hands-On Kids

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Activity Guide

Oral Motor and Sensory Activities

Mouth and feeding activities for oral sensory regulation

Speech and Language Kids

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Checklist

Sensory Processing Checklist

Parent checklist to identify sensory seeking or avoiding behaviors

STAR Institute

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Article

Interoception and Body Awareness

Teaching children to recognize internal body signals like hunger, thirst, and bathroom needs

Kelly Mahoney OT

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📖 Guide

Sensory Room Setup Guide

Creating calming sensory spaces at home or school

Your Therapy Source

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📖 Guide

Sensory-Friendly Strategies for Everyday Activities

Adapting daily routines for children with sensory processing differences

Autism Speaks

Open Resource →
Professionals 📌 Resource Collection

Occupational Therapy Activities for Sensory Integration

Professional OT resources and activity ideas for sensory processing support

American Occupational Therapy Association

Open Resource →
Professionals 📖 Guide

Sensory Processing in the Classroom

Teacher strategies and accommodations for sensory-sensitive students

Understood.org

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Activity Guide

DIY Sensory Tools and Equipment

Budget-friendly homemade sensory equipment and fidgets

Fun and Function

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 FAQ

Sensory Processing FAQs

Common questions about sensory processing answered by experts

STAR Institute

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📖 Guide

Sensory-Friendly Holiday Tips

Managing sensory overwhelm during busy seasons and special events

STAR Institute

Open Resource →

💪 Physical Activity & Motor Skills

11 resources
Caregivers 📌 Guidelines

CDC Physical Activity Guidelines for Children

Evidence-based recommendations for daily physical activity by age

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Open Resource →
Professionals 📌 Video Library

GoNoodle Movement Break Videos

Quick 3-5 minute movement breaks for classroom use (2,000+ videos)

GoNoodle

Open Resource →
Children 📌 YouTube Videos

Cosmic Kids Yoga YouTube Channel

Kid-friendly yoga, mindfulness, and relaxation videos (400+ videos)

Cosmic Kids Yoga

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Activity Guide

Gross Motor Activities for Preschoolers

Age-appropriate activities for building large muscle coordination

Your Therapy Source

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📖 Guide

Fine Motor Skills Development

Activities to strengthen hand muscles for writing and self-care tasks

Understood.org

Open Resource →
Professionals 📌 Activity Cards

Brain Breaks for Kids

Quick energizing movement activities to refocus attention

Teachers Pay Teachers

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Article

Outdoor Play Benefits

Research on how outdoor play supports physical and cognitive development

Child Mind Institute

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📖 Guide

Fundamental Movement Skills

Teaching running, jumping, throwing, catching, and balancing

ACT Government (Kids at Play Active Play)

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Activity Guide

Handwriting Development Activities

Pre-writing and handwriting practice activities from an OT perspective

OT Mom Learning Activities

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Activity Database

Physical Literacy Games

Fun games that build confidence in movement and physical skills

Active for Life

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Activity Guide

Scissor Skills Practice

Developmental progression and activities for learning to cut with scissors

Your Therapy Source

Open Resource →

😴 Sleep & Rest

11 resources
Caregivers 📌 Fact Sheet

CDC Sleep Recommendations by Age

Evidence-based sleep duration guidelines for children ages 3-12

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Open Resource →
Caregivers 🌐 Website

Healthy Sleep Habits for Children

Comprehensive guide to pediatric sleep needs and common challenges

Sleep Foundation

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Printable Chart

Bedtime Routine Charts

Visual supports for consistent bedtime routines

Your Therapy Source

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Guidelines

AAP Sleep Guidelines

American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for healthy sleep

American Academy of Pediatrics

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📖 Guide

Helping Children Sleep Better

Age-by-age guide to establishing healthy sleep patterns from infancy through early childhood

Zero to Three

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Article

Sleep Hygiene for Kids

Creating sleep-friendly environments and habits

Sleep Foundation

Open Resource →
Children 📌 Book

Calming Bedtime Stories

Maximilian's Cosmic Adventure - bedtime story promoting sleep independence

Amazon

Open Resource →
Children 🎬 Video

Relaxation Techniques Before Bed

Peace Out guided relaxations designed for bedtime wind-down

Cosmic Kids

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Article

Addressing Sleep Problems in Children

Understanding and managing nightmares, night terrors, and bedtime resistance

Sleep Foundation

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Article

The Importance of Naps

Research on when and why young children need daytime sleep

PMC (PubMed Central)

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📖 Guide

Co-Sleeping and Sleep Training

AAP guidance on safe sleep practices and transitioning to independent sleep

American Academy of Pediatrics

Open Resource →

🎯 Independence & Life Skills

12 resources
Caregivers 📖 Guide

Age-Appropriate Chores for Kids

Developmental guide to household responsibilities by age

HealthyChildren.org (AAP)

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Article

Teaching Self-Care Skills

Building independence in hygiene, dressing, and daily routines

Kid Sense Child Development

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Checklist

Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Checklist

Tracking independence in self-care, feeding, and grooming tasks

Tools To Grow (OT Resources)

Open Resource →
Professionals 📌 Curriculum

Money Management for Kids

FDIC curriculum teaching financial literacy starting in PreK

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📖 Guide

Teaching Kids to Do Laundry

Step-by-step guide for age-appropriate laundry skills

Heritage Park Laundry

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Article

Kitchen Skills for Children

Safe, age-appropriate cooking and food preparation activities

KidsHealth

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Article

Time Management Skills

Teaching children to plan, prioritize, and manage their own time

Scholastic

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📖 Guide

Personal Hygiene Routines

Establishing independence in bathing, teeth brushing, and grooming

Connecticut Children's

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Article

Safety Skills for Kids

Teaching stranger danger, fire safety, and emergency preparedness

KidsHealth

Open Resource →
Children 📌 Interactive Games

PBS Kids Life Skills Games

Interactive games teaching responsibility, problem-solving, and daily living skills

PBS Kids

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📖 Guide

Decision-Making Skills for Children

Teaching children to evaluate options and make responsible choices

Wellspring Prevention

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Article

Pet Care Responsibility

Age-appropriate pet care tasks that build responsibility

American Kennel Club

Open Resource →

Resources on Childhood Trauma

Evidence-based tools for children, teens, caregivers, and professionals

📖 What is Childhood Trauma?

Childhood trauma refers to experiences that overwhelm a child's ability to cope—including abuse, neglect, loss of a caregiver, witnessing violence, or natural disasters. Trauma affects brain development, particularly the amygdala (fear response), hippocampus (memory), and prefrontal cortex (decision-making).

The good news: With evidence-based support like TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), co-regulation with trusted adults, and skills like grounding techniques, children's brains can heal and build resilience.

Below are free, curated resources organized by skill area to support trauma recovery in children ages 3-18.

📚 Understanding Trauma (Psychoeducation)

13 resources
Children 🎬 Video

What is Trauma? Psychoeducation for Kids!

Kid-friendly explanation of what trauma is and how it affects us

YouTube

Open Resource →
Children 🎬 Video

Explaining the Brain to Children and Adolescents

The barking dog/wise owl and upstairs/downstairs brain concepts

Vimeo

Open Resource →
Children 🎬 Video

Brain Parts Song Kids

Fun song teaching brain anatomy: hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, amygdala, cerebellum, neurons

YouTube

Open Resource →
Children 🌐 Website

Sesame Street in Communities: Traumatic Experiences

Comprehensive resource hub with videos, storybooks, printables, and guides

Sesame Workshop

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📄 PDF

The 12 Core Concepts for Understanding Traumatic Stress

Foundational guide outlining key concepts on how trauma impacts children's development, brain function, and family dynamics

NCTSN

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📄 PDF

Excessive Stress Disrupts the Developing Brain

Working paper explaining how prolonged stress alters brain development in young children

Harvard Center on the Developing Child

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Animation

Childhood Trauma and the Brain

Animated series illustrating how early trauma affects brain structure and function

UK Trauma Council

Open Resource →
Caregivers 🌐 Website

What Does Trauma Do to a Baby's Brain?

Details how trauma rewires infant brains, emphasizing prevention through responsive caregiving

Zero to Three

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Article

How Trauma Affects Kids in School

Explains trauma's impact on learning and behavior, highlighting brain changes and school challenges

Child Mind Institute

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Fact Sheet

Psychological Impact of Trauma: Preschool Children

Describes trauma's effects on young children's emotions and behaviors

NCTSN

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📄 PDF

The Science of Neglect

Details how neglect as a form of trauma impairs brain architecture and development

Harvard Center on the Developing Child

Open Resource →
Professionals 📖 Guide

Trauma-Informed Practices in Early Childhood Education

Guide for educators on creating trauma-sensitive learning environments

NCTSN

Open Resource →
Caregivers 🌐 Website

ACEs and Toxic Stress Explainer

Overview of Adverse Childhood Experiences and their long-term health impacts

Harvard Center on the Developing Child

Open Resource →

🧘 Self-Regulation & Co-Regulation

9 resources
Children 🎬 Video

Just Breathe

Beautiful animation teaching children mindful breathing for emotional regulation

YouTube

Open Resource →
Caregivers 🌐 Website

Calm Down Corner Ideas

Free printable resources for creating calming spaces including breathing exercises and sensory tools

Your Therapy Source

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Article

Co-Regulation from Babies to Teens

Developmental guide to supporting children's regulation through caregiver attunement

Zero to Three

Open Resource →
Caregivers 🌐 Website

The Neuroscience of Co-Regulation

Explains how caregiver calm literally regulates child's nervous system

NCTSN

Open Resource →
Professionals 📌 Curriculum

Trauma Affect Regulation: Guide for Education and Therapy (TARGET)

Skills-based program teaching emotion regulation through the FREEDOM steps

NCTSN

Open Resource →
Teens 🎬 Video

Mindfulness Videos for Teens

Short videos guide teens in grounding exercises to reconnect during overwhelm

Child Mind Institute

Open Resource →
Children 📖 Guide

Belly Breathing for Stress Relief

Teaches deep belly breathing to calm physical symptoms of trauma stress

Child Mind Institute

Open Resource →
Professionals 📌 Curriculum

Attachment, Self-Regulation, and Competency (ARC) Framework

Builds self-regulation skills through attachment-focused activities

NCTSN

Open Resource →
Children 🎬 Video

Understanding Feelings Relaxation Skills

Elementary-focused videos introduce paced breathing for intense emotions

Child Mind Institute

Open Resource →

💜 Identifying & Expressing Feelings

9 resources
Children 🎬 Video

Elmo Manages New Emotions with 'I Notice, I Feel, I Can'

Elmo learns an emotional awareness strategy for identifying and managing feelings

Sesame Street

Open Resource →
Children 🌐 Website

Healthy Minds, Thriving Kids: Understanding Feelings

Free evidence-based video series teaching kids to recognize and understand their emotions

Child Mind Institute

Open Resource →
Children 📌 Video Series

Healthy Minds, Thriving Kids: Pre-K Series

Five episodes teaching young children about feelings, using words, having big feelings, being brave, and being a good friend

Child Mind Institute

Open Resource →
Children 📝 Worksheet

Feelings Wheel for Kids

Visual tool helping children expand emotional vocabulary beyond basic feelings

Gottman Institute

Open Resource →
Children 📌 Printable

Emotion Faces Printables

Visual aids showing different facial expressions to help children identify emotions

Teachers Pay Teachers

Open Resource →
Children 🎬 Video

Inside Out Emotional Curriculum

Using Pixar's Inside Out characters to teach children about complex emotions

Pixar

Open Resource →
Children 🎬 Video

The Color Monster: A Story About Emotions

Story-based approach to helping children sort and identify different feelings

YouTube

Open Resource →
Children 📌 Chart

Emotion Check-In Chart

Daily tracking tool for children to identify and communicate how they're feeling

NCTSN

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📖 Guide

Talking to Children About Feelings After Trauma

Parent guide for facilitating emotional expression in trauma-affected children

NCTSN

Open Resource →

🛠️ Coping Skills & Strategies

10 resources
Children 🎬 Video

Belly Breathe with Elmo

Elmo demonstrates belly breathing - a core coping skill for calming the body

Sesame Street

Open Resource →
Children 🌐 Website

5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique

Sensory-based grounding method to bring children back to the present moment during anxiety

University of Rochester Medical Center

Open Resource →
Children 📖 Guide

The Butterfly Hug (Bilateral Stimulation)

Self-soothing technique using bilateral stimulation for trauma stress relief

NCTSN

Open Resource →
Children 📄 PDF

Progressive Muscle Relaxation for Kids

Guided exercise tensing and releasing muscle groups to reduce physical tension

Anxiety Canada

Open Resource →
Children 📌 Toolkit

Coping Skills Toolkit for Trauma

Comprehensive collection of age-appropriate coping strategies

NCTSN

Open Resource →
Children 🎬 Video

Mindful Moments with Cosmic Kids Yoga

Kid-friendly yoga and relaxation videos for body-based coping

YouTube

Open Resource →
Children 📝 Worksheet

Coping Skills Worksheets

Printable activities for identifying and practicing personal coping strategies

Therapist Aid

Open Resource →
Children 📌 Script

Safe Place Visualization

Guided imagery technique for creating an internal calm space

NCTSN

Open Resource →
Children 📌 Poster

Coping Skills for Kids Poster

Visual reference of 50+ coping strategies organized by category

Coping Skills for Kids

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Article

Teaching Coping Skills to Children

Parent guide for introducing and reinforcing coping strategies at home

Child Mind Institute

Open Resource →

🏠 Safety & Trusted People

8 resources
Children 🎬 Video

Rosita and Alan Talk about Community Violence

Sesame Street episode addressing violence exposure and building safety

Sesame Street

Open Resource →
Children 📝 Worksheet

Who Are My Trusted Adults?

Activity for children to identify their support network and safe people

NCTSN

Open Resource →
Professionals 📖 Guide

Creating Felt Safety in the Classroom

Guide for educators on trauma-sensitive environments that promote safety

NCTSN

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Article

The Polyvagal Theory Explained for Parents

Understanding how the nervous system detects safety vs danger

Zero to Three

Open Resource →
Children 📝 Worksheet

Building a Circle of Support

Visual mapping tool for identifying trusted people in child's life

Therapist Aid

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Article

Predictable Routines Create Safety

How consistent schedules help trauma-affected children feel secure

Zero to Three

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📖 Guide

Body Safety Rules for Kids

Age-appropriate safety education about bodily autonomy and boundaries

Darkness to Light

Open Resource →
Children 📌 Visual

Safe Touch vs Unsafe Touch

Teaching children to recognize and report concerning interactions

NCTSN

Open Resource →

⚡ Managing Triggers & Trauma Reminders

9 resources
Caregivers 📌 Fact Sheet

PTSD: Trauma Reminders and Triggers

Explains what triggers are and how they activate trauma responses

NCTSN

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📖 Guide

Helping Children Manage Trauma Reminders

Parent strategies for supporting children when triggered

NCTSN

Open Resource →
Children 📝 Worksheet

Trigger Identification Worksheet

Activity to help children recognize their personal trigger patterns

Therapist Aid

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Article

Window of Tolerance Explained

Visual model showing hyperarousal, hypoarousal, and optimal regulation zones

Attachment & Trauma Treatment Centre

Open Resource →
Children 📖 Guide

Grounding Techniques for Flashbacks

Immediate strategies to bring children back to present when trauma memories surface

NCTSN

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📝 Worksheet

Creating a Trigger Safety Plan

Collaborative planning tool for managing anticipated triggers

Therapist Aid

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Fact Sheet

Trauma Anniversary Reactions

Understanding and preparing for increased symptoms around trauma dates

NCTSN

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Resource List

Sensory Grounding Kit for Triggers

Physical tools and sensory items that interrupt trauma responses

Your Therapy Source

Open Resource →
Professionals 📖 Guide

Managing Triggers in the Classroom

Educator guide for reducing and responding to triggers in school settings

NCTSN

Open Resource →

👨‍👩‍👧 For Caregivers

10 resources
Caregivers 📌 Animation

Childhood Trauma and the Brain

Animated series for caregivers on how trauma affects brain development

UK Trauma Council

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📖 Guide

Parenting a Child Who Has Experienced Trauma

Comprehensive guide for trauma-informed parenting strategies

Child Welfare Information Gateway

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Fact Sheet

Secondary Traumatic Stress in Parents

Understanding and managing vicarious trauma from supporting hurt children

NCTSN

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Toolkit

Caregiver Self-Care Toolkit

Essential self-care strategies for adults caring for traumatized children

NCTSN

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📖 Guide

Answering Children's Questions About Trauma

Age-appropriate language for discussing difficult trauma topics

NCTSN

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Article

Building Resilience in Children

Research-based strategies parents can use to foster resilience

American Psychological Association

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Workbook

Parenting After Trauma Workbook

Self-guided activities for parents working through their own trauma history

NCTSN

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Article

When to Seek Professional Help

Signs that a child may benefit from trauma-specialized therapy

Child Mind Institute

Open Resource →
Caregivers 🌐 Website

Parenting with PTSD: Strategies and Support

Resources for parents managing their own trauma symptoms while parenting

VA National Center for PTSD

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Resource Collection

Foster and Adoptive Parent Resources

Specialized guidance for caregivers of children with complex trauma histories

NCTSN

Open Resource →

🌱 Healing & Resilience

9 resources
Children 🌐 Website

Sesame Street: Building Resilience

Videos, activities, and printables teaching children bounce-back skills

Sesame Workshop

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📝 Worksheet

The Resilience Scale for Children

Assessment and discussion tool for identifying resilience strengths

Therapist Aid

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Article

Post-Traumatic Growth in Children

Research on positive changes that can emerge from trauma processing

NCTSN

Open Resource →
Children 📌 Activity Guide

Resilience Activities for Kids

Interactive exercises building perseverance and adaptive coping

Big Life Journal

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Article

The Heroic Journey: Post-Traumatic Growth

Understanding how trauma survivors can develop new strengths

American Psychological Association

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📖 Guide

Building Hope After Trauma

Strategies for restoring optimism and future orientation in children

NCTSN

Open Resource →
Professionals 📌 Article

Narrative Therapy for Trauma Recovery

Using storytelling to rewrite traumatic experiences with empowerment

GoodTherapy

Open Resource →
Children 📝 Worksheet

Strength-Based Assessment Tools

Worksheets helping children identify their personal resilience resources

Therapist Aid

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Fact Sheet

Resilience Factors in Trauma Recovery

Research-identified protective factors that support healing

NCTSN

Open Resource →

🎓 TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)

22 resources
Professionals 🌐 Website

TF-CBT: At-A-Glance

Quick overview of the TF-CBT model and PRACTICE components

TF-CBT Web

Open Resource →
Caregivers 🎬 Video

What is TF-CBT? (Video)

Animated explanation of how TF-CBT helps children process trauma

NCTSN

Open Resource →
Professionals 📌 Course

TF-CBT Free Web Training

Comprehensive online training for mental health professionals (10+ hours)

Medical University of South Carolina

Open Resource →
Children 📌 Workbook

TF-CBT Workbook: My Feelings Book

Child-friendly workbook for the feelings identification component

NCTSN

Open Resource →
Children 📌 Book

TF-CBT Parent Companion Book

A Journey of Brave Friends - storybook supporting TF-CBT therapy process

Amazon

Open Resource →
Children 📖 Guide

Relaxation Skills in TF-CBT

Progressive muscle relaxation and breathing exercises from the R component

NCTSN

Open Resource →
Professionals 📌 Activity Guide

Affective Modulation Activities

Emotion regulation strategies used in the A component of TF-CBT

NCTSN

Open Resource →
Children 📝 Worksheet

Cognitive Coping Triangle

Teaching children the thoughts-feelings-behaviors connection (C component)

TF-CBT Web

Open Resource →
Professionals 📖 Guide

Trauma Narrative Guidelines

Professional guide for the trauma narration and processing phase

NCTSN

Open Resource →
Professionals 📌 Protocol

In Vivo Mastery of Trauma Reminders

Gradual exposure techniques for confronting avoided trauma reminders

TF-CBT Web

Open Resource →
Professionals 📖 Guide

Conjoint Parent-Child Sessions in TF-CBT

Guidelines for bringing parent and child together to share trauma narrative

NCTSN

Open Resource →
Professionals 📌 Module

Enhancing Safety and Future Development

Final TF-CBT component focusing on safety skills and relapse prevention

TF-CBT Web

Open Resource →
Professionals 📌 Article

TF-CBT for Complex Trauma

Adaptations for children with chronic, multiple trauma exposures

NCTSN

Open Resource →
Professionals 📖 Guide

Cultural Considerations in TF-CBT

Adapting TF-CBT for diverse cultural backgrounds and family structures

TF-CBT Web

Open Resource →
Professionals 📌 Research Summary

TF-CBT Outcome Research Summary

Research demonstrating TF-CBT effectiveness across trauma types

TF-CBT Web

Open Resource →
Caregivers 📌 Directory

TF-CBT Consultation Resources

Finding certified TF-CBT therapists and consultation groups

TF-CBT Web

Open Resource →
Professionals 📌 Checklist

TF-CBT Fidelity Checklist

Self-assessment tool for therapists to ensure model adherence

NCTSN

Open Resource →
Professionals 📌 Implementation Guide

Implementing TF-CBT in Schools

Adaptations for delivering TF-CBT in educational settings

NCTSN

Open Resource →
Professionals 📖 Guide

TF-CBT for Young Children (Ages 3-6)

Developmentally modified TF-CBT for preschool/kindergarten ages

NCTSN

Open Resource →
Professionals 🌐 Website

TF-CBT2: Enhanced Model

Updated TF-CBT version with additional components for complex presentations

TF-CBT Web

Open Resource →
Professionals 📌 Protocol

Group TF-CBT Protocols

Delivering TF-CBT in group format for schools and agencies

NCTSN

Open Resource →
Professionals 📌 Curriculum

Parent Training Components of TF-CBT

Parallel parent sessions teaching trauma education and parenting skills

NCTSN

Open Resource →

Help Us Grow

Your feedback helps us curate the best resources for children, families, and professionals. Share your favorite resources or tell us what you need!

💡 Suggest a Resource

Know a great resource we should add? Share it with our community!

Submit a Resource

📝 Request a Resource

Looking for something specific? Let us know and we'll find it for you!

Request a Resource

Our Books

A Journey of Brave Friends

TF-CBT companion book for children processing trauma

View on Amazon

Educational Videos

Visit our YouTube channel for more trauma-informed content and growth mindset songs

Visit YouTube Channel

Stay Connected

Get updates on new resources, trauma-informed strategies, and growth mindset content delivered to your inbox.

Link copied to clipboard!