“Prepare with Pedro: Resilience & Coping Skills Activity Book for Children” is a heartwarming and practical resource designed to help children navigate their emotions and build resilience in the face of emergencies or challenging situations. This beautifully illustrated activity book is guided by the friendly character Pedro, who shares his own experiences and tools to cope with fear, anxiety, and uncertainty.
Here’s a detailed description of the resource:
Introduction by Pedro: Pedro introduces himself as a relatable character who recently faced an emergency. He felt scared, nervous, and afraid, just like many children might feel when confronted with unexpected situations. Pedro’s journey of seeking help and support from friends is the central theme of the book.
Deep Breathing with Benni the Beaver: Children are taught the importance of deep breathing as a coping mechanism. Benni the Beaver guides them through a simple technique, counting to 4 while inhaling and exhaling, likening it to counting the sides of a square. This exercise helps in calming anxious feelings.
Understanding Feelings with Randy the Racoon: Randy emphasizes that there are no right or wrong feelings after an emergency. Children are encouraged to name their feelings and recognize that it’s okay to feel differently. This activity promotes emotional self-awareness and expression.
Managing Bad Dreams with Bao the Bear: Bao shares a creative solution for overcoming bad dreams related to the emergency. Children are encouraged to color in a picture of Pedro and place it by their bedside to provide comfort and reduce nightmares. This activity offers a tangible way to address nighttime fears.
Building a Circle of Support with Bella the Bunny: Bella introduces the concept of a “circle of support.” Children identify people who can help them when they are worried or scared and vice versa. This exercise reinforces the idea that seeking help is acceptable and fosters a sense of community and mutual assistance.
Recognizing Community Helpers with Felix the Fox: Felix highlights various community helpers such as firefighters, police officers, doctors, and teachers. Children are encouraged to create an emergency contact card with essential phone numbers, ensuring they can reach out to trusted adults during emergencies.
Creating a Calm Space with Otta B the Otter: Otta B shares the importance of imagining a calm and safe place. Children are invited to draw a space that makes them feel calm, encouraging them to visualize a safe haven within their minds.
Celebrating Hidden Gems with Sam E Clue: Sam prompts children to think about things that bring them joy, referred to as “hidden gems.” Children are encouraged to list or draw things that make them happy, providing a positive resource to turn to during moments of fear or anxiety.
Emergency Contact Cards: The book includes a template for creating emergency contact cards, ensuring children have access to important phone numbers during emergencies. This practical tool enhances their preparedness and safety.
Guidance for Parents and Caregivers: The resource offers valuable advice to parents and caregivers on supporting children after emergencies. Tips include discussing feelings openly, providing affection and comfort, maintaining routines, and monitoring exposure to distressing information.
Encouragement to Care for Oneself: Parents and caregivers are reminded to prioritize self-care to better support their children during challenging times.
Resource Information: The book mentions the American Red Cross as the organization behind this resource, and it offers a link for additional information on their youth preparedness programs.
In summary, “Prepare with Pedro” is a comprehensive and child-friendly activity book that empowers children to manage their emotions, seek help, and build resilience in the face of emergencies. With relatable characters and engaging activities, it provides a valuable tool for both children and their caregivers to navigate difficult situations with confidence and emotional well-being.
FREE PDF DOWNLOAD OF PREPARE WITH PEDRO: RESILIENCE & COPING SKILLS ACTIVITY BOOK FOR CHILDREN