top of page
This site was designed with the
.com
website builder. Create your website today.Start Now

*Pictures representing different self-calming strategies on the wall or on a ring attached to the child’s belt.  When your child needs to calm down he/she can refer to these pictures.

*Ask your child “What would help you feel better?” then customize for your own child based on what would calm him/her down.

The overall gist of calming strategies is to give children positive options for self-calming when upset and to encourage them to use them eventually on their own.

 

Tips:

•Ask children what THEY want to help them calm down; give them options to choose from (don’t allow them to select activities that you don’t approve of, even if they think it will make them feel better)

•To enhance “buy in,” try appealing to children’s interests

  • –Tool box (different pictures on different tools, so they can go pick a tool to help fix their angry feelings)

  • –Helper fairies (different pictures on fairies, so they can go pick a helper fairy to help fix their angry feelings)

  • –Coping “menu” (pictures on a menu, name the “restaurant” after the child, or put pictures on plastic food in a picnic basket)

  • –Feel better bag (specific items put into a bag or backpack that the child can open and use when upset)

 

Whichever strategy you choose to use just make sure you and your child discuss it when you are both calm.

Calming Strategies

Strategies

 

Here is a list of some strategies that I have found most helpful with my son when he needs to calm down.  See the links above for more ideas and printables.

 

  • Hug (unless it will agitate or set your child off more)

  • Popcorn hands (open and close your hands in a fist)

  • Deep breaths

    • teach by (teach when calm):

      •  blowing bubbles

      • tie a ribbon to dollar store glasses and have him blow the ribbon

      • blowing hot air on your hand

  • time away

    • not a time out but rather time away from the situation.  This is not meant to be punitive, rather a way to teach kids that it is ok to be mad and walk away to calm down.

    • Can be with you or on his own, depending on what he will find most calming.

    • You can create a “cool down” place in your home if you want: a place your child likes to go to with some things that help him calm down (cool down box)

  • Cool down box

    • Stuffed animal

    • Playdough

    • Water bottle

    • Squishy ball/toy (lots at the dollar store)

    • Book

Printables & Websites

Time In rather than time out

bottom of page