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Top Calm Down Strategies for Kids: Easy Techniques to Try at Home

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As a parent or caretaker, you understand that kids often experience overwhelming emotions and need effective coping strategies to calm themselves down. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s essential to have a toolkit of techniques that can help children regain balance and navigate their feelings. This article will explore various calm down strategies for kids, ensuring they have a solid foundation to manage stress and anxiety.

These techniques range from breathing exercises, which can quickly disengage a child’s stress response system, to mindfulness exercises that promote resilience and emotional well-being. By incorporating these methods into your child’s daily routine, you’ll be giving them the tools to cope with challenges and thrive emotionally.

No two children are the same, so it’s important to explore a variety of strategies and discover which ones resonate best with your child. Keep reading to learn more about these helpful techniques, and start empowering your child to take charge of their emotions today.

Understanding Kids’ Stress and Anxiety

Neuroscience of Stress

Stress in children occurs when they perceive a situation as threatening, challenging, or beyond their coping abilities. The brain releases stress hormones, preparing the body to respond to the threat with a fight or flight response. This is a survival mechanism that allows them to act quickly and efficiently in life-threatening situations.

However, stress can become chronic when kids are exposed to constant stressors in their daily lives. Chronic stress can negatively impact their mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. As a result, it’s crucial to understand the neuroscience of stress to learn how it affects children and how to help them manage it.

When stress occurs, it activates the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which is responsible for the fight or flight response. This response can manifest in various ways in children:

  • Faster heart rate
  • Rapid breathing
  • Dilated pupils
  • Tightened muscles

Remember, not all stress is bad. At times it’s essential for your child’s growth, like when they are learning a new skill or facing a challenging situation. The key is to create a balance and manage your child’s stress when necessary.

Angry and Irritable Children

When kids experience stress and anxiety, you may notice changes in their behavior. They might become angry and irritable, which can lead to conflicts or miscommunication with family and friends.

Angry and irritable behavior in children can be attributed to:

  1. Unresolved stress or frustration
  2. Feeling overwhelmed
  3. Lack of sleep

Help your child manage their stress by implementing the following strategies:

  • Pay attention to your child’s stress signals and address their concerns.
  • Provide emotional support by acknowledging their feelings and being empathetic.
  • Teach breathing exercises to help them calm down during stressful moments.
  • Encourage healthy habits, such as getting enough sleep and eating a balanced diet, to help them handle stress more effectively.

Understanding your child’s stress and anxiety is the first step in helping them cope and develop resilience. By paying attention to the neuroscience behind stress and recognizing your child’s behavioral changes, you can support them and create a low-stress environment for their growth and development.

Physical Calming Strategies

Exercise and Activities

Engaging your child in physical exercises and activities can be a great way to help them calm down. By participating in activities like jumpingrunning, playing outdoor games, or using a jump rope, your child can release pent-up energy and reduce stress levels. Encourage your child to participate in fun outdoor activities, such as:

  • Playing tag or catch
  • Going for a bike ride
  • Walking or hiking in nature

These activities not only help them calm down but also improve overall health and wellbeing.

Deep Breathing Techniques

Teaching your child deep breathing exercises can be an effective way to reduce anxiety and induce a calmer state of mind. Try exercises like the flower and candle technique, where your child pretends to smell a flower while inhaling and blow out a candle when exhaling. Another technique is belly breathing:

  1. Have your child lie on their back and place one hand on their stomach.
  2. Encourage them to take slow, deep breaths, focusing on the rise and fall of their stomach.

Yoga and Meditation

Yoga and meditation help promote mindfulness and relaxation. Introduce your child to simple yoga poses and stretches, which can calm their body and mind. Guided meditation is another effective method to calm down. Here are some options to explore:

  • Simple poses like tree pose, downward dog, and cat-cow
  • Age-appropriate guided meditation apps or videos

Remember, teaching your child these physical calming strategies provides them with tools to manage stress and anxiety. This forms a strong foundation for their overall mental wellbeing.

Creative Calming Techniques

Helping children calm down can be challenging, but by using creative outlets, you can provide them with effective tools to manage their feelings. In this section, you’ll find two sub-sections focusing on music and singing, as well as art and coloring.

Music and Singing

If you notice your child feeling overwhelmed or upset, suggest listening to calming music or singing together. Listening to calming tunes can have a soothing effect on the brain, reducing stress and anxiety. There’s no need to stick to strictly calming or classical music; any tune that brings a sense of joy and relaxation will work.

Encourage your child to hum or sing along to their favorite songs. Singing not only releases tension, but it also activates the vagus nerve, which helps to soothe the nervous system. As a bonus, singing brings joy and provides a fun way to express feelings, no matter the child’s musical talent.

Here are some music and singing-related activities:

  • Create a “calm-down” playlist with your child’s favorite relaxing songs
  • Engage in a family sing-along session
  • Explore different musical instruments or simple rhythms

Art and Coloring

Visual art and coloring activities are another great way to help children calm down. Offering a variety of art materials, like crayons, markers, or watercolors, encourages them to explore their creativity and focus on the present moment.

While your child is coloring or painting, their attention is redirected away from the source of their stress or anxiety. This activity allows them to express their emotions and thoughts in a safe and constructive manner.

Some art and coloring activities to include:

  • Create a calming space with an assortment of art materials and a comfortable seating area
  • Provide your child with age-appropriate coloring books or printouts of intricate patterns and pictures
  • Encourage painting freehand or using stencils, working together on a creative project, or exploring different art techniques

So, when your child needs help calming down, try incorporating some of the suggestions above in the realm of music, singing, art, and coloring. These creative outlets can provide a sense of peace and accomplishment, soothing their feelings and helping them feel more in control.

Sensory Approaches

Sensory approaches can be a great way to help kids calm down. By incorporating different sensory stimuli, you can create a soothing environment that works best for your child. In this section, we’ll discuss a few sensory strategies, including relaxing scents and candles, hugging and physical sensations, and noise-canceling headphones.

Relaxing Scents and Candles

Introducing your child’s favorite scent or using a relaxing candle can work wonders in creating a calming atmosphere. Aromatherapy has been known to help with stress and anxiety, so consider using essential oils or scented candles with soothing fragrances like lavender, chamomile, or vanilla. Make sure to place them out of reach of little hands and never leave a burning candle unattended.

Hugging and Physical Sensations

Physical touch, such as hugging, can have a powerful calming effect on kids. When your child is feeling overwhelmed, a comforting hug or cuddle can help them feel more secure and relaxed. If your child enjoys the feeling of being held or squeezed, consider using a weighted blanket or a pressure vest. These items can provide deep pressure, which many children find soothing.

You can also incorporate water-based activities, for example, letting your child play in a relaxing bubble bath or wrapping them up in a warm, damp towel. These experiences can help your child feel more relaxed and grounded, providing a sensory break from their stress or anxiety.

Noise-Canceling Headphones

For children who are sensitive to noise or get easily overwhelmed in busy environments, noise-canceling headphones can offer some relief. These headphones help to block out external sounds, allowing your child to focus on their preferred, calming audio. Consider music, nature sounds, or guided meditation specifically designed for kids. Make sure to keep the volume low and monitor how long your child is wearing them to ensure they’re not missing out on important auditory information.

By incorporating these sensory strategies, you can create a personalized calming toolkit for your child. Just remember that what works for one child might not work for another, so be open to trying different combinations or alternatives until you find what works best for your little one.

Mindfulness and Emotional Regulation

Coping Skills for Kids

Helping your kids develop coping skills early on can lead to better emotional regulation as they grow. Teach them mindful practices that promote relaxation and build their resilience. Here are some useful techniques:

  • Counting: Encourage your child to count slowly from 1 to 10 when they feel overwhelmed. This simple exercise helps them shift their focus and can calm them down.
  • Belly breathing: Teach your child to lay on the floor, place a hand or a stuffed toy on their stomach, and take deep breaths in and out. Watching the “belly rise and fall” can be a fun, yet calming, activity.

Practicing Gratitude

Cultivating a sense of gratitude in kids is an excellent way to instill positive coping strategies. Try these activities with your child:

  • Gratitude journal: Encourage your child to keep a gratitude journal where they write about things they’re grateful for each day. This practice can help reframe negative thoughts and promotes positivity.
  • Gratitude jar: Together, create a gratitude jar where you both can write down and store things you’re thankful for. Read them out loud every once in a while to remind your child of the positive aspects of their life.

Happy Memories

Creating and reminiscing about happy memories can help kids feel grounded during difficult times. Consider these activities:

  • Photo album: Make a photo album of your favorite memories together. Let your child pick the pictures and contribute by decorating the album. Looking through the album can be comforting during stressful moments.
  • Storytelling: Share stories of your childhood or their happiest moments regularly, helping them recall joyful experiences and connect with positive emotions.

By implementing these strategies, you’re building a solid foundation for your child’s emotional health and resilience.

Adapting to Unique Needs

Every child is unique, and their needs may vary depending on their personal circumstances or challenges. In this section, we’ll explore different calm down strategies tailored to kids with specific needs while paying close attention to ADHD and ODD, along with the use of calm down cards and visual aids as effective tools.

Calming Strategies for ADHD and ODD

For children with ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), focusing on relaxation techniques can be particularly helpful. Some strategies include:

  • Guided Imagery: Encourage your child to imagine peaceful scenes or stories to help them shift their focus from chaos to calm.
  • Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Teach them to tense and release various muscle groups, one at a time, to help release tension in their body.
  • Deep Breathing Exercises: Remind them to take slow, deep breaths and exhale slowly, allowing their body to relax.

Children with ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder) might find calm down strategies based on mutual respect and clear expectations work best. Here are some ideas to try:

  • Offer Choices: Help your child feel empowered by giving them limited choices, allowing them to have a sense of control.
  • Create a Safe Space: Allow them to retreat when feeling overwhelmed, and establish a designated area for quiet time.
  • Be Patient and Empathetic: Understanding your child’s feelings and triggers can make it easier for you to guide them towards self-calming techniques.

Calm Down Cards and Visual Aids

Calm down cards can be incredibly useful tools for helping kids remember and apply their calming techniques. Here’s how you can create and use them:

  • Brainstorm calming strategies with your child: Involve them in the process to ensure they connect with the chosen strategies.
  • Design the cards: Use bright colors, simple icons, or drawings to represent each strategy. This can make the cards engaging and easy to understand.
  • Place them in accessible areas: Make sure the cards are available to your child in moments of stress, such as in their backpack, on the fridge, or near their designated safe space. This will ensure they always have their techniques within reach.

Visual aids, such as posters or charts, can also remind your child of their calming strategies. Think about including pictures of breathing exercises, muscle relaxation techniques, or positive affirmations. Place these visual aids in strategic spots where your child is likely to see them throughout the day, such as their bedroom, playroom, or study area. This will help them internalize and remember to use their calm down strategies whenever they need them.

Parenting Strategies

Addressing Tantrums

Dealing with tantrums can be challenging, but try to stay calm and remember that it’s a normal part of child development. Here are a few ideas to help you handle tantrums:

  • When your child starts throwing a fit, take a step back and allow them to express their emotions, as long as they are safe.
  • Be compassionate but firm. Acknowledge their feelings, but maintain boundaries and rules.
  • Offer solutions or distractions. For example, suggest a calming activity like deep breaths or listen to their favorite song.
  • Praise them when they have calmed down to positively reinforce their behavior.

Building Resilience

Helping children build resilience can improve their overall well-being and make them better equipped to handle future challenges. Boost your child’s resilience with these tips:

  • Encourage them to try new activities and praise their efforts, regardless of the outcome.
  • Teach problem-solving skills by working through difficulties together instead of solving problems for them.
  • Validate their emotions and feelings, ensuring them it’s okay to feel what they feel.
  • Share your own challenges and experiences, including how you navigated through them, to show that everyone faces tough times.

Relationships

Strengthening your relationship with your child promotes trust and open communication. Consider these suggestions for improving relationships:

  • Spend quality time together, engaging in activities your child enjoys.
  • Communicate regularly, openly, and respectfully. Make sure you are truly listening to your child when they speak.
  • Model empathy and understanding in your interactions with others, teaching your child how to build positive relationships.
  • Offer positive reinforcement and celebrate their accomplishments, big or small, to make them feel valued and supported.

Play and Distraction Techniques

Blowing Bubbles and Playing with Stars

Blowing bubbles can be a great distraction and calming technique for kids. It encourages deep breathing and focusing on a fun, simple task. To get started, just grab some bubble solution and a wand, and encourage your child to practice blowing bubbles gently and steadily. As they do this, their mind can shift away from stress and anxiety, giving them a chance to relax.

Playing with stars can also help as a fun visual distraction. There are many ways to incorporate stars into play, such as finding toys that project stars onto the walls and ceiling, or using glow-in-the-dark stars to decorate their room. This can create a calming environment and help them focus on something fun and engaging instead of their worries.

Dance and Role-Playing

Dancing is not only a great form of physical activity but can also help kids express their emotions and let off some steam. Put on some music that your child enjoys, and encourage them to dance freely, letting their emotions guide their movements. Dancing can be a fun and entertaining way to take their mind off their stress. It’s a great opportunity for you to join in too – it can be a bonding activity that helps both of you unwind.

Role-playing is another effective way to engage children and provide a helpful distraction. You can try creating short scenarios or storylines involving their favorite characters, then ask them to act out the scenes. This encourages creativity, imagination, and can help your child process their emotions through a different perspective.

Remember, play and distraction techniques like blowing bubbles, playing with stars, dancing, and role-playing can be a powerful way to help your child calm down and regain a sense of control. By incorporating these methods into their regular routines, you can create a more calming and supportive environment for them to grow and thrive.

Monitoring Progress

When it comes to implementing calm down strategies for kids, monitoring progress is essential to ensure emotional regulation and evaluate the success of each strategy. In this section, we’ll explore two sub-sections: Tracking Emotional Regulation and Evaluating Strategy Success.

Tracking Emotional Regulation

It’s important to observe your child’s emotional regulation development over time. You can do this by paying attention to their ability to recognize and manage their emotions, as well as changes in their pulse during stressful situations. Here are some tips for tracking emotional regulation:

  • Create a log: Note your child’s emotional reactions and their context in a logbook. Include when and where the emotions were experienced, as well as behaviors displayed.
  • Use self-assessment tools: Encourage your child to assess their own emotional state using a simple scale (e.g. 1 to 5 emoji faces). This can help them become more aware of their feelings and progress.
  • Check the pulse: Teach your child to be aware of their body’s reaction to stress by monitoring their pulse during challenging situations. This can help them identify when they need to employ a calming strategy.

Evaluating Strategy Success

Once you’ve implemented some calm down strategies, it’s crucial to assess their effectiveness. Here are some ways to evaluate the success of each strategy:

  • Review the logbook: Look for patterns in your child’s emotional regulation progress over time. Are there particular coping strategies that seem more effective than others?
  • Ask for feedback: Chat with your child about which strategies they find helpful and comfortable to use. Encourage open communication so they feel empowered to adjust and adapt their methods.
  • Reflect on happy memories: Encourage your child to recall happy memories, or create a memory box with tangible items that remind them of positive emotions. This can help reinforce the effectiveness of calming strategies and foster a sense of emotional balance.

Remember to stay casual and supportive while monitoring your child’s progress. Patience and consistent practice with the various strategies are key to effective emotional regulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I teach my child to relax?

Teaching your child to relax can be as simple as encouraging them to focus on their breathing. Guide them in taking slow, deep breaths and ask them to pay attention to the sensation. You can also help your child practice mindfulness by engaging them in activities that require focus and relaxation, such as coloring or yoga.

What methods can help a child with anxiety?

Methods that can help a child with anxiety include practicing deep breathing exercises, using visualization techniques, or trying progressive muscle relaxation. It’s important to be patient and supportive, and offer a comforting environment where your child feels safe. Encourage open communication, letting them know it’s okay to share their feelings.

What are some calming activities for kids?

Calming activities for kids can include:

  • Coloring or drawing
  • Practicing yoga
  • Listening to calming music
  • Engaging in sensory play with items like playdough or kinetic sand
  • Going for a walk or spending time in nature

Remember, what works best for one child might not work for another, so consider your child’s interests and preferences when choosing activities.

How can I help a middle school student stay calm?

To help a middle school student stay calm, encourage them to develop coping skills such as deep breathing exercises, journaling, or engaging in a physical activity they enjoy. Provide opportunities for them to establish a routine and prioritize self-care, ensuring they get enough sleep, eat healthily, and have time to connect with friends and family.

What are some effective strategies for calming a child with ADHD?

Effective strategies for calming a child with ADHD include:

  • Establishing routines and clear expectations
  • Providing a designated calm down space with sensory tools like stress balls or fidget toys
  • Implementing a reward system for positive behavior
  • Encouraging physical activity and regular breaks
  • Offering support and guidance in emotional regulation and finding healthy ways to express feelings

What’s a good calm down strategies card for children?

A good calm down strategies card for children could include a list of simple, easy-to-remember techniques for regaining emotional balance. Examples might be:

  • Taking deep breaths
  • Counting to ten
  • Holding a favorite toy or object
  • Visualizing a happy place
  • Whispering a comforting phrase

Remember to keep the strategies age-appropriate and relevant to your child’s interests, so they are more likely to use and benefit from them.

EDIT – now published as is on https://littlesproutslearning.co/25-calming-activities-for-kids/

Opening sentence: Kids can get overwhelmed and overstimulated in all kinds of situations, but there are ways that parents, caregivers and teachers can help.

We all know how difficult it can be for kids to stay calm in certain situations. Whether it’s a tantrum at the grocery store, or a meltdown during a family gathering, it can be overwhelming and stressful for both the child and the parent.

But there are ways to help your child calm down and regulate their emotions.

In this blog post, we will explore some strategies to recognize signs of stress in your child and provide some helpful tips to help them calm down.

It’s no secret that kids can get overwhelmed and overstimulated in all kinds of situations. Whether it’s dealing with school, siblings, or general life stressors, it’s important to teach kids strategies to help them manage their feelings.

In this blog post, we’ll go over some tips to help parents recognize signs of stress in their children, provide strategies to help them calm down, and create a calming environment.

Recognizing Signs of Stress

The first step in helping kids calm down is to be aware of the signs of stress. These can vary depending on the child, but there are some common signs to look out for. Acknowledge your child’s feelings when they’re overwhelmed and validate their emotion. Pay attention to physical signs of stress like body tension, clenched fists, and furrowed brows. Also look for verbal cues like whining, complaining, or anger outbursts.

Recognizing Signs of Stress

It is important to acknowledge that your child is feeling overwhelmed or stressed. You can do this by paying attention to the physical signs of stress or to verbal cues. Pay attention to their body language and watch for signs like clenched fists, furrowed eyebrows, or a tight jaw. These are all signs that your child may need help calming down.

Also, listen for any verbal cues like “I can’t do it!” or “I don’t want to.

Strategies to Help Kids Calm Down

Once you’re aware of the signs of stress, you can help your child calm down with different strategies. Deep breathing can help kids relax and refocus their attention. Progressive muscle relaxation can help them physically release tension.

B. Summary of content: In this blog post, we’ll discuss some practical strategies for helping kids to calm down, regulate their emotions and stay in control.

II. Recognizing Signs of Stress

A. Acknowledge the child’s feelings

B. Identify physical signs of stress

C. Pay attention to verbal cues

III. Strategies to Help Kids Calm Down

A. Deep breathing

B. Progressive muscle relaxation

C. Mindful movement

D. Visualization and guided imagery

IV. Creating a Calm Environment

A. Limit TV and media exposure

B. Encourage outdoor activities

C. Designate a calm corner

V. Conclusion

A. Summary of content

B. Final thoughts

C. Call to action

Sometimes kids are just bouncing off the walls. Here are 25 super calming activities for kids that will help them relax and give you a much-needed break. There is only so much rowdiness we can take when running a home daycare.

Your toddler keeps bouncing off the wall and is into one thing after the other. Nothing seems to keep them calm and sitting for just five minutes. You desperately need a break, but you’ve exhausted all your options. Sound familiar? 

Here are 25 super fun calming activities for your child! Not only will these help your child relax, but they will also give you a much-needed break! 

Calming activities kids will love

There are so many activities for home daycare that can help your kids settle down and stop bouncing off the walls. I don’t know about you, but I can only take rowdy kids for so long and then I need a break.

  1. Yoga 

Yoga is a great way to calm down your child. There are many YouTube videos or books to teach yoga poses that are perfect for kids. 

  1. Painting 

Painting is a form of art therapy. If your child is upset and struggling, painting will help them healthily release their emotions. They might even love to paint all the time afterward! 

  1. Quiet Book 

Quiet books or busy books are also great ways to relax your child. Frequently these will have some sensory play along with it, making it more calming for them! 

  1. Toy Car Wash

Children love playing with water, so have them give their cars a bath! Have them line up their toy cars and wash them one by one. If you have rideable cars, you can also make a fun large car wash they can go through with electric cars or bikes for some summer fun outside! 

  1. Dishes 

Toddlers love to wash the dishes, mainly because they love bubbles and playing in the water. Have your child wash your dishes one day when you need a calming break. This calms them down because they focus intently on getting the dishes clean. It will also teach them to be responsible! 

  1. Water Play 

There are many other great water play activities that are great for messy play, sensory play, and for keeping your child calm. When all else fails, a bath is great water play! Add some essential oils in Epsom salt for a calming experience to the bath. 

  1. Sand Play 

Sand play is another great activity that will relax your child and keep them quiet and busy. Playing in the sand is a great sensory play that brings many amazing benefits other than a calming experience. 

  1. Gardening 

Gardening helps bring nature to your child. When a child is in nature, they naturally calm down. This also will help your child be responsible for taking care of something such as a vegetable or flower plant. 

  1. Bubble Wrap 

Bubble wrap or the Pop Its game are great calming activities for kids and adults! There is just something relaxing about popping bubbles. If you don’t have these, blowing bubbles is also a great option. 

  1. Pom-Poms and Pipe Cleaners 

These are two items you probably already have in your home. Grab a bunch of pom-poms and pipe cleaners and let your child’s imagination run wild. These craft supplies will keep your child busy for a long time as they learn new ways to play and create with them all the time! 

  1. Playdough 

Playdough is always relaxing for children. If you are making your own playdough, adding some lavender, tangerine, or other relaxing essential oils to your dough. This will add to the sensory experience and keep your child calm as they play. 

  1. Blocks 

For many kids, building with wooden blocks or Legos can be very calming. However, this all depends on your child’s age. For kids that can easily get frustrated when the blocks are knocked down may struggle more with this activity than others. 

  1. Forts 

Let your child build a fort in the house! Grab all the pillows, blankets, and set off to make a fort together. Then, when you are done, lay in the fort together and enjoy each other’s presence. They will feel like a safe place for your child and will naturally calm them down. 

  1. Paint the Shower 

Make some paint with food coloring and shaving cream or whipped cream for an edible sensory experience. Then, have your child “paint” the shower and bathtub. Kids love getting things messy, but the best part is that it is super easy to clean when down; just turn on the shower! 

  1. Scavenger Hunt 

Create a scavenger hunt based on your child’s age and experience, and let them run free. This will teach them the independence to figure it out on their own and relax them as they go around the house to figure it all out. 

  1. Tape Race Cars 

Create a race car track with painter’s tape on the floor. Then, your child can race their cars all around the house. Playing with toy cars is always relaxing for a child. 

  1. Ice Cube Painting 

Freeze some ice cubes with food coloring. Then, set them out on a plate outside, and sprinkle some baking soda on top. Then, squirt vinegar on the ice cubes and watch as the cubes bubble and melt all together, creating beautiful colors. This is a fun science experiment that will mesmerize your child! 

  1. Shape Sorters 

You can make your own or find a store-bought shape sorter. These are relaxing to your child as they try to focus on the different shapes and sort them correctly and efficiently. Again, this depends on your child’s age and how upset they become when things get difficult. 

  1. Painting the House with Water 

This is very inexpensive and super fun! Grab a paint brush and a bucket of water. Then, have your child “paint” the outside of your house! They will enjoy this activity while you have some time for yourself to relax! 

  1. Reusable Stickers 

There are so many reusable sticker books that all kids love. Some you can have as window stickers to decorate the house or use them with books to create a new story. Stickers always help relax a child. 

  1. Puzzles 

Make sure to give age-appropriate puzzles, so your child doesn’t get frustrated and give up. Puzzles can be very relaxing and calming for kids of all ages! 

  1. Color Matching Game 

This can be done with just about anything. You can put some construction paper out with different colors and have your child find things around the house with the same color to fill up the paper. Or use colorful blocks, crayons, buttons, or anything you find around the house. 

  1. Meditation for Kids 

There are tons of YouTube videos on guided meditation that are made specifically for kids. You can also find many fun kid-friendly apps geared toward mindfulness and meditation. This is one of the best calming activities for kids. 

  1. Glitter Bottle 

Buy a pre-made or make your own glitter bottle. These can be used only when your child needs to calm down or for whenever. They are so fun to make, and the craft itself can be relaxing! 

  1. Nature Walk 

Enjoy nature together with your child as you walk around. Being in nature is automatically calming. Find different things to look for in your environment to ground your child. Then, practice mindfulness and teach them to focus on their breathing. 

Calm Down Strategies For Kids: Great Books

  • Breathe Like a Bear: 30 Mindful Moments for Kids to Feel Calm and Focused Anytime, Anywhere
  • Breathing is My Superpower: Mindfulness Book for Kids to Feel Calm and Peaceful
  • The Magically Mindful Me: Mindfulness Coloring Book for Kids
  • Be Mindful of Monsters: A Book for Helping Children Accept Their Emotions
  • Find Your Calm: A Mindful Approach To Relieve Anxiety And Grow Your Bravery
  • The Mindful Dragon: A Dragon Book about Mindfulness
  • Mindfulness Moments for Kids: Hot Cocoa Calm

Hopefully, you have a few new ideas for calming your child down. These activities should help keep your child busy and relax them for a bit. What other activities do you do to calm down your kids? Share them below! 

The post Top Calm Down Strategies for Kids: Easy Techniques to Try at Home appeared first on Made In A Pinch.



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