A calm down kit is a small box of things that help your child settle: something to squeeze, something to watch, something to listen to. This checklist organizes it by the senses so you cover what your child actually responds to, with blank lines for the things only your family would think of.
What is on it
Six boxes with tick boxes: Touch, Sight, Sound, Smell, Movement and grounding, and How-to cards, each with suggestions and blank lines, plus a tip for grown-ups. Designed to be taped inside the lid of the kit.
Who it is for
Parents, teachers and therapists building a calm down kit for children of any age from about three up. It is especially helpful for children with strong sensory preferences, since organizing by the senses makes it easier to see what your child seeks out and what overwhelms them.
How to use it
- Print it and go through it with your child; let them choose.
- Start with two or three items they already love rather than buying a full kit.
- Tape the list inside the lid so anyone can see what belongs in the box.
- Check the kit monthly and swap out anything that has lost its magic.
Tips
- A kit in the car and a kit at school are often more useful than one perfect kit at home.
- Include a breathing card; breathing is the tool that works everywhere.
Keep going
Our full calm down kit guide explains each item, and best gifts for anxious kids sorts the options by what they do.
US Letter, one page, full color (it also prints fine in black and white, and on A4 with "fit to page"). Free for home, classroom and therapy use; please share the link rather than re-uploading the file. More on our free tools and printables page.
