Stressed Out

What stresses you out? How do you deal with problems or challenges in your life? Art’s a great way to express emotions constructively.

1. What events or situations make you nervous or stressed out? Sometimes it helps to talk with a grown-up about them. Art or music can also help you remain calm and feel that you can manage whatever comes up. Here’s a project to help you pinpoint the stresses in your life and begin to deal with them.

2. Create STRESS cards. With Crayola® Scissors, cut white paper into cards (or use index cards). Using Crayola Markers, write words and draw pictures of things that make you nervous, such as high-pressure tests, being yelled at, or performing before an audience. Assemble a collage by placing your cards all around a piece of paper that has been colored with crazy designs.

3. On another piece of white paper, write the word STRESS really large. Use a style that looks stressed, such as squiggly, jittery letters. Cut out the word. With a Crayola Glue Stick, attach STRESS to your paper so it pops up above your collage. Accordian fold two strips of white paper and attach one end to the center of the collage and the other end to the STRESS banner.

4. What could you do to handle STRESS more productively?

Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project.

Small Parts— WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD—Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.

Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.

Favorite Sport Paper Chain

Layers of Me

Sizzling Sun

Crafts

crayola supplies

• Markers
• Glue Sticks
• Blunt-Tip Scissors
• Construction Paper

household supplies

• index cards

"Our after-school kids created mini-posters. Art is always a good way for kids to begin conversations with parents."
Carlos P., group leader.

"My son told me about some things that were bothering him while he did this art activity. I can be a better support for him now."
Marissa V., mother of age 8.

Did you know that talking about your worst fears or anxieties is one of the best ways to deal with them? Talking your problems over with your parents, teachers or a close friend can help you figure out how to deal with the stress. Good nutrition, lots of rest, and being responsible are also good ways to deal with life’s pressures.