Coping Resources

When children are facing medical challenges, big emotions, or difficult situations, finding the right words can feel overwhelming or even impossible. Play and creative activities help break the ice and take the pressure off direct conversation. They give structure to big feelings, create a sense of safety, and meet kids where they are.

Below you will find activity sheets that can help your child navigate these emotions. Click on any picture to open a PDF that you can print for your child to use.

Things that Bug Me

This is a fun, hands-on activity, especially for young kids! Have your child identify things that “bug them,” whether it’s something about the hospital, appointments, or anything else that bothers them. Then, squash those bugs!

Conversation starters: What are some things that make (blank) better? How can you help yourself during those moments? How can I help support you?

Extra fun tip: Instead of using paper or a fly swatter, make old-fashioned spitballs with a straw and paper to “get” the bugs!

Family of Superheroes

Everyone in the family has a superpower! This activity is a great way to show how each person in your family (or support circle) brings unique gifts and strengths, especially during times of stress.

Conversation starters: What do you think your superpower is? What superpower do you see in yourself? When things get hard, whose superpower helps you the most? Are there times when you’ve used your superpower to help someone else in the family? If you could add a superpower to your family team, what would it be?

I Am…

We are so many things, and sometimes we need to be reminded of all the qualities and strengths we hold. This is a wonderful opportunity to empower your child or teen and help them see themselves more fully.

Conversation starters: Is there something you wish you were or want to become? What would help you get there? What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think “I am…”? If you were a color, what would you be?

I Wonder…

It’s intimidating to speak up and ask questions sometimes – even for adults! This worksheet creates a safe space to ask anything. This is an especially great tool for siblings who may be hesitant to ask questions about what’s happening.

Conversation starters: Sometimes wondering about something can feel exciting, and sometimes it can feel scary. How does wondering about these things feel for you? What question would you most like to have answered right now? Who do you think might be able to help us find that answer?

Daily Check-In

This worksheet can be used at any age and provides a simple place to ground thoughts and feelings in the present moment.

Conversation starters: Do you notice if any of these change from day to day or even throughout the day? Do your responses shift depending on what’s happening around you?

I’ve Been Thinking…

Writing thoughts down can feel overwhelming. This worksheet helps organize thoughts and spark meaningful conversations, especially during pivotal times.

Conversation starters: Was there anything that surprised you when you wrote it down? Is there something you wrote that you’ve been carrying around for a while? When you think about your hopes, what’s one small thing we could do today that moves toward that?

Feelings Check-In

Growing in emotional literacy helps us express and understand our feelings better. This check-in gives an opportunity to explore feelings more deeply. How would you describe this feeling? What does it look like? How big does it feel?

Bonus: There’s also a sheet to create your own faces to describe different feelings!

Feelings Heart

A visual reminder that you can hold more than one feeling at a time.

Conversation starters: Are there feelings you wish weren’t there, or feelings you wish you had more of?

COPING CARDS

These printable coping cards give practical tools to help manage big emotions, anytime, anywhere. Each card teaches simple techniques, such as deep breathing, grounding exercises, and calming strategies.

Downloadable files are available in English and Spanish. Click on an image below to open a PDF of cards you can have available when needed.

Hopefully, these tools will help you as you navigate the emotions that come from cancer treatment. If you feel like your child or someone else in your family might benefit from mental or emotional help, CURE’s Counseling Program is available to you. Please remember that CURE is here to serve your family throughout your child’s treatment and beyond.