Circle Of Control Activity For Kids - Good Mental Health And Stress Management

The Circle of Control

The Circle of Control is an activity that can help kids manage stress, anxiety, and overwhelm. It separates what they can influence from what they cannot, encouraging them to focus their time and energy on controllable actions rather than dwelling on things outside their control.

How to Use It

1. Draw a circle. Write things you cannot control outside it and things you can control inside it.
   • Outside your control: The weather, world problems, the past, and other people’s actions, feelings, or opinions.
   • Within your control: Your actions, words, attitude, self-care, effort, and choice of friends.
2. Apply it to a stressful situation. List what you can and cannot control. If there are parts you can influence, use problem-solving skills to choose steps that may reduce stress or move things in a positive direction.
3. For things you cannot control:
   • Practice acceptance so you can put your energy toward what you can change.
   • Let go of stressful thoughts. The video suggests imagining those concerns floating away inside a balloon.
   • Use coping skills to manage your thoughts, emotions, and responses.
4. Ask for support. If problem-solving feels difficult, seek guidance from a caring adult, such as a parent, teacher, therapist, or school counselor.

The video compares this approach to building a roof and windows to protect yourself from the weather: rather than trying to control the storm, strengthen your ability to handle it.

Presenter/source: Mental Health Center Kids (no individual presenter named).