Kids’ Calm Down Kit

Kids' Calm Down Kit: Calming your body and brain

When emotions are high, sometimes we need to calm our breathing, minds, and bodies before we can think more logically and work through the emotion. Adults and children can benefit from finding healthy emotional outlets and positive coping skills. Check out some fun activities and exercises (some adapted from GoZen!) to help calm our bodies and brains, express and work through emotions in an appropriate and proactive way, and relieve stress for kids and adults alike! Every person is unique, so find what works best for you and your child!

Ideas & Activities to Find the Calm and Work Through Big Emotions

1. Take Belly Balloon Breaths

Think of your belly like it’s a balloon. Take a slow, deep breath in to inflate the balloon. Then slowly breathe out to deflate the balloon. Repeat the exercise 5 times and notice how your body feels.

2. Change Scenery

When we are overtaken by a big emotion, sometimes the best thing we can do is “walk away.” When it is hard to calm down, a simple change of scenery may be just what you or your child needs. If you are inside, then go outdoors for some fresh air. If you’re outside, then come inside to a calm, quiet space. Changing the scenery can many times change the mood.

3. Practice Gratitude

Studies have shown that being grateful can improve mood, sleep, and immune system. Gratitude can also help decrease anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. Talk about or write 5 things you and your child are thankful for. This is a great way to start and end the day!

4. Watch the Clouds

Lie on your back and watch the clouds drift by. Discuss that emotions are just like clouds as they are temporary, and they come and go. Look for shapes and animals in the clouds, and make up stories about them.

5. Do an Act of Kindness

Make or do something nice for someone else. Shifting our mindset from our self to others helps us to have a bigger perspective as well as fosters a caring, kind, and generous mindset.

6. Sing

Singing out loud releases endorphins, the “feel good” chemical in the brain.
So sing your heart out!

7. Visit the Calm Down Space

Create a designated “calm down space” in your house to give children an opportunity to go to a safe, cozy place when they feel out of control to take a break and calm down. They can return when they’re ready. Include a calm down kit with items that help them calm down or boost their moods. Some ideas are listed below:

  • lovie or stuffed animal
  • small, comforting toys
  • colors, paper, coloring books
  • calm down glitter shaker
  • breathing bracelet or stick
  • book or kids’ magazine
  • puzzles
  • stress ball (to squeeze)
  • pinwheel (to blow on)
  • Tonie box or Yoto (to listen to stories or music)
  • push-pop-bubble fidget toys
  • emotions cards (to help identify their feelings)

8. Push Against a Wall

This is an easy, great trick for allowing the body to remove stress hormones, and you can do it in any room! Try to push the wall over for 10 seconds. Relax. Repeat 3 times. This process contracts and then relaxes the muscles, which floods the body with feel-good hormones.

Sign up to receive the complete PRINTABLE Kids’ Calm Down Kit for FREE with even more QUICK and EASY calm down ideas & activities to work through big emotions!

Like these and want MORE?

60+ Ideas and Activities to Find the Calm and Work Through Big Feelings and Emotions!

FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $35