Calming down.
In a big feeling, words disappear. A picture of what helps can reach a kid when talking can't.
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Calming Down
Sometimes I have big feelings inside me.
Big feelings are okay. Everybody has them.
When I feel too big, my body might feel hot or fast.
I can stop and take a slow breath.
I can go to a quiet spot until my body feels calm.
The big feeling always gets smaller. I am safe.
More ways to help with big feelings
What to expect
This isn't about making a feeling go away, it's a path through it. Naming the feeling, then a couple of concrete steps, gives a dysregulated kid something to hold instead of "calm down." Use the steps that actually work for your child.
One tip from a dad who's been there
Practice it when everyone is calm, not in the middle of a meltdown. The schedule works because it's already familiar before it's needed.
