What tools are in your coping toolbox?

When we face difficult situations, everyone has a different way of managing them. There are many things we can do to help ourselves deal with tough feelings or situations—which is also referred to as coping. Coping means finding ways to deal with tough feelings or situations. For instance, imagine getting a disappointing grade on a school project. You might feel upset and decide to talk about it with your parents, while your classmate might turn to their teacher and ask for a higher grade. Have you ever thought about why each of us responds differently to difficult situations? What exactly is coping, and what are some of the ways people cope? How do we learn to cope? Is there one best way to cope? In this article, we will tell you what scientists have discovered about coping. Matilda is excited about her upcoming field trip. Jamie promised Matilda that he would sit next to her on the school bus. As Matilda gets on the bus, she sees Jamie sitting next to someone else! Now Matilda feels sad. What can Matilda do to deal with this difficult situation? She could avoid Jamie. Or she could confront Jamie and try to get him to sit next to her. What Matilda does to manage the upsetting situation is what scientists call coping.