Children can especially feel like they lack control in their lives – with caregivers, teachers and professionals making the majority of their decisions, this can lead to feelings of anxiety and stress. Help children to realise all the things they can control and work with you to gain some new control with this gaming themed resource!

About this resource:

I am in Control is an empowering activity designed for children aged 6 to 11 to help them feel a sense of control in their lives and ease worries and anxiety. By focusing on the things they can control in their daily lives, children can develop a greater sense of agency and resilience. This activity utilises a gaming-themed visual controller, allowing children to identify and reflect on the aspects of their day that they have control over.

Key Features:

Gaming-Themed Visual: This resilience building activity features a visual controller with buttons and arrows, resembling a gaming console.

Identifying Controllable Aspects: Children are prompted to think about eight things they can control in a normal day. These can include their behaviour, words, actions, being kind, and other aspects within their control. By matching these aspects to the buttons on the controller, children create their own personalised and easy to visualise control.

Optional Activity - Colouring In for Extra Mindfulness! The activity encourages children to colour in the controller and further personalise it to them. Colouring has many calming effects and promotes a sense of relaxation and well-being.

Benefits:

• Easing Worries and Anxiety: By focusing on the things they can control, children are able to shift their attention away from sources of worry and anxiety. This activity helps them recognise that there are aspects of their lives that they have the power to influence, promoting a sense of empowerment and reducing stress.
• Resilience and Emotional Regulation: I am in Control builds resilience by helping children develop a mindset focused on their own agency. By identifying the controllable aspects of their day, children learn to regulate their emotions and responses, which can contribute to their overall emotional well-being.
• Sense of Empowerment: This activity empowers children by highlighting the aspects of their lives they have control over.

This is a valuable resource for parents, professionals, and teachers seeking to support children experiencing worries, anxiety, low mood, or those who may have experienced trauma.