Coping skills are the things a child can do to get through a big feeling. Children need a few they know well, practiced in advance, and easy to reach. These twelve cut-out cards give them a menu with pictures, so choosing a coping skill is as easy as picking a card.
What is on it
Twelve cards: take five slow breaths, squeeze something, count to ten, move my body, get a hug, drink cold water, draw it out, tell someone, listen to music, go to my calm spot, watch a glitter jar, and wait it out with a timer. Each has a picture and one line.
Who it is for
Children from about four to ten, at home, at school or in therapy. Younger children use them with an adult; older children can choose and use their own cards. They suit children whose big feelings are anger as much as worry, since several cards are about moving and releasing energy.
How to use it
- Print, cut and laminate; keep them on a ring or in a small box.
- Practice each card when your child is calm, a few times, before you ever ask them to use one in a hard moment.
- Let your child pick their top three and put those at the front of the ring.
- In the moment, offer two cards and let your child choose.
Tips
- Notice which cards actually work for your child and drop the rest.
- Teachers can keep one set in the calm corner and one at the front desk.
Keep going
The calm down kit checklist helps you gather the objects some cards need. For the breathing card, the Breathe With Me cards give eight ways to do it.
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.
