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🍦meltdowns? try a calm-down kit for tantrums
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items 💛❤️If your child is struggling with big feelings, creating a calm-down kit can help. These items are tools to support emotional regulation, teach calming strategies, and reduce the intensity of meltdowns. Whether you’re at home or on the go, you can...
Sections
5
kit carrier option
sensory supports
self-soothing
visual aids
basic needs
kit carrier option
A pouch or small bag keeps all calm-down items in one place so your child can find their tools quickly. Clear or lightly patterned carriers help you see what is inside at a glance. Having one carrier makes it easy to move the kit from home to school ...
A pouch keeps all calm-down tools in one spot so your child can see items at a glance. The zipper seal keeps things from falling out and the vinyl surface wipes clean after spills. It fits easily into a backpack or tote for use at home or on the go.
Pencil Pouches in Pencil Cases(1000+)
A small canvas bag with a sturdy zipper holds larger items like a mini glitter jar or Play-Doh tubs. The soft fabric feels gentle in little hands and the pouch folds flat when empty. You can wash it by hand to keep it fresh after lots of use.
Canvas Zipper Pouch
sensory supports
These tools give gentle input to the body and senses to help lower stress levels. Items like fidget toys, stress balls and glitter jars help children focus on touch and sight instead of big feelings. Using these supports during tense moments can lead...
Items that will keep hands busy during overwhelming moments, and these will support calm and grounding without distraction. :)
Fidget Toys(1000+)
Fidget toys give the hands something to do which can help children focus and calm during difficult moments. They are small and easy to carry in a calm-down kit.
Stress Balls
A calm jar is a visual tool where glitter slowly settles after shaking. Watching the glitter helps children practice deep breathing and refocus their attention, which can reduce meltdown intensity.
Calming Glitter Jar
Play-Doh gives hands a fun way to work through tension. Rolling, squeezing and shaping the dough helps children focus on a simple task and eases strong feelings. It comes in small tubs that fit neatly into a pouch.
Play-Doh Classic Colors Modeling Compound Multipack
This bendy toy twists and turns to keep hands busy when emotions run high. It offers a smooth, continuous motion that helps a child calm the mind through gentle movement. It clips easily onto a key ring or bag for quick access!
Tangle-Relax Therapy Toy
self-soothing
Comfort items provide a sense of safety when big feelings arrive. A soft stuffed animal or cozy socks give gentle pressure that helps lower anxiety. Having a familiar self-soother in the kit can help children feel secure and supported.
A soft stuffed bear gives comfort and a sense of safety when children feel upset. Hugging a familiar toy sends soothing pressure to the body and can lower stress. It fits nicely in a backpack or calm-down bin.
Gund Bears
visual aids
Visual cues guide a child through steps when words feel hard. Timers, emotion cards and first-then boards help children understand what happens next and how to share their feelings. These aids support smoother transitions and clearer communication.
Visual countdowns help children see how long until a planned activity ends, which is ideal for transitions and reducing anxiety about “not knowing when something will happen.”
Time Timer MOD® | Countdown Timer For Kids | Colorful Visual Timers
Etsy carries a variety of different types of emotion cards help children learn to identify and express their feelings by pointing to pictures and words. Using these cards teaches emotional awareness and supports communication before behaviours escala...
Emotion Cards for Kids
A first-then board uses pictures to show what happens first and what comes next. This helps children understand expectations and manage transitions calmly.
First-Then Board
These cards show simple steps like breathe, squeeze or ask for help. Children point to a card to share what they need when words feel hard. You can print them in colour and cut them to fit any small pouch.
Calm Down Strategy Cards
basic needs
Meeting basic needs prevents meltdowns linked to hunger, thirst or temperature. A water bottle, snack container or cozy hoodie helps a child reset by calming physical discomfort. Including these items in the kit supports overall regulation and well-b...
Soft clothing or blankets provide sensory comfort and warmth. Having these in a calm-down kit offers a physical way to soothe the child when emotions run high.
Oversized Full-Zip Hoodie
Drinking water supports physical regulation and helps prevent irritability caused by thirst. A portable water bottle is easy to bring along and encourages hydration during stressful times.
Contigo 14oz Kids Water Bottle