Circle of Control Resource

Empowering Children with the Circle of Control

Introducing the circle of control, introduced by Stephen R. Covey in his book, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” Our interactive tool is designed to help children understand and utilise the concept of the Circle of Control. This practical resource empowers kids to focus on what they can control and let go of what they cannot, fostering a sense of agency, reducing anxiety, and enhancing problem-solving skills. This resource is perfect for use at home, in classrooms, or in therapy settings.

How to Use

1. Introduce the Concept:

   • Explain to your child that the Circle of Control helps us focus on things we can change (inside the circle) and accept things we cannot change (outside the circle).

2. Identify Concerns:

   • Ask your child to share things they are worried or upset about. Write these down on sticky notes or write with a whiteboard pen directly on the circle.

3. Sort and Place:

   • Together, sort the concerns into two categories: things they can control and things they cannot control. Place the controllable items inside the circle and the uncontrollable items outside the circle.

4. Discuss Actions:

   • For items inside the circle, brainstorm actionable steps your child can take. This helps them feel empowered and proactive. For items outside the circle, discuss ways to cope with these concerns, such as acceptance or distraction techniques.

5. Review and Reflect:

   • Regularly revisit the circle to update it with new concerns and actions. Reflect on how focusing on controllable aspects has helped your child feel more in control and less anxious.

Key Benefits:

1. 1. Promotes Focus on the Controllable:

      • The circle of control helps children concentrate on what they can influence, reducing feelings of helplessness and frustration.

   2. Reduces Anxiety:

      • By differentiating between controllable and uncontrollable factors, children learn to let go of unnecessary worries, leading to reduced anxiety and stress.

   3. Enhances Problem-Solving Skills:

      • Encouraging children to think about actionable steps fosters critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

   4. Builds Emotional Resilience:

      • Understanding and accepting what they cannot change helps children develop emotional resilience, making them better equipped to handle life's challenges.

   5. Encourages Mindfulness:

1. • The circle of control promotes a mindful approach to handling concerns, helping children stay present and focused on practical solutions.

2. Supports Open Communication:

   • Using this resource facilitates open discussions about worries and emotions, strengthening the parent-child or teacher-student relationship.

Product Features:

• Interactive Design: Bright, engaging visuals and easy-to-use format make learning about the Circle of Control fun and accessible.
• Reusable Materials: Durable reusable metal board and sticky notes allow for repeated use, providing long-term value.
• Instructional Guide: Comprehensive booklet with tips and examples for parents, teachers, and therapists to maximize the resource’s benefits.
• Portable: Compact and lightweight, perfect for use at home, in the classroom, or during therapy sessions.

Why Choose the Craftly Circle of Control?

This resource is more than just a teaching tool—it's a transformative resource that empowers children to manage their worries, enhance their problem-solving skills, and build emotional resilience. By focusing on what they can control and letting go of what they cannot, children can approach life with greater confidence and calm.

Printed onto a metal circle measuring 150mm
Can be used as a whiteboard activity, simple write on it with whiteboard pen and rub off to reuse. See photos for an example on how this was used! 

Copyright by Craftly