Circles of Control
This activity is designed for parents and caregivers to use themselves to navigate difficult emotions and can also be used with their children to help them navigate difficult emotions together.
Using the Circles of Control tool as a family is beneficial for lowering stress, handling tough emotions, and dealing with difficult situations. This approach involves understanding what is within or beyond your control and creating an action plan to navigate through these emotions and situations.
Step 1: Name a current stressor
Step 2: List all that is IN your control (things you can do about this)
Step 3: List all that is OUT of your control
Step 4: Create a plan for how to overcome your current stressor
Step 5: Include a few coping skills that will help you navigate the stressor
Tips
Morning or Bedtime Routine: Integrate the Circles of Control activity into your morning or bedtime routine. Reflecting on the day's challenges and beginning the habit of going through the steps.
Modeling Behavior: As a parent, actively model the use of the Circles of Control in your own life. Share your experiences of handling stress and making decisions based on what is within your control. Children often learn by example.
Visual Reminders: Print or create visual aids of the Circles of Control as a visual reminder in a common area within your home to help the process be more present.
Overview
For: Parents and Caregivers
Ages: K-12
Resource Type: Tips
