Calm down strategies for kids don’t have to be complicated to be effective. The key is to find the ones that work best for your child. Each child is different and therefore, their preferred methods for calming will be as well. 
Calm down techniques work for any child (or adult for that matter!). They are especially good to use for kids with autism, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder, FASD, early childhood trauma, Reactive Attachment Disorder, or anxiety.
I’ve put together 50 calm down strategies that are so simple that anyone can do them. These don’t require expensive equipment or a lot of time. 
The formula for success is to practise these with your child when they are calm, discover which ones they respond to, and then have them use those in the times when they are needed. It can be very helpful to use calm down strategy cards. This allows the child to have a visual cue. This reminder can be especially helpful when they are beginning to feel out of control.
I suggest only including the strategies that you know work for your child. Otherwise, it could cause frustration for your child. You can discover which ones they prefer when you are practising with them while they are calm rather than trying to discover it when they are upset.
Simply pop your email into the form below and you’ll be able to print off the cards for yourself. Then, cut out the cards, hole punch them, and put them on a binder ring for your child to keep in their pocket, backpack, or calm down kit.
By helping your child or student learn the calming methods that are effective for them, you will help them gain independence. It feels empowering for kids to be able to regain control on their own.
50 Calm Down Strategies for Kids:
- Hum
- Wrap Yourself in a Blanket
- Drink Water
- Draw a Picture
- Colour
- Breathe
- Ask for a Hug
- Read a Book
- Whisper the Alphabet
- Pray
- Listen to Music
- Press Your Palm to Your Chest
- Go for a Run
- Relax Your Face
- Do my Affirmations
- Push on the Wall
- Squeeze a Sensory Ball
- Play with a Fidget
- Stretch
- Jump
- Count
- Chew Gum
- Play with Playdough
- Blow Bubbles
- Do a Puzzle
- Wear Noise Reducing Headphones
- Finger-paint
- Touch Your Toes
- Be a Helper
- Look at a Calm Down Bottle
- Dance
- Eat a Crunchy Snack
- Blow a Pinwheel
- Pop Bubble Wrap
- Use a Small Massager
- Hug a Teddy Bear
- Journal
- Take a Shower
- Carry some Books
- Close Your Eyes
- Swing or Rock
- Wiggle Your Fingers
- Go to Your Quiet Place
- Play the Harmonica
- Go for a Walk
- Trace Shapes on Your Hand with Your Finger
- Do 5 Pushups
- Name Your Emotions
- Put Lotion On
- Do Yoga
You may also be interested in reading:
How to Create a Calm Down Kit for Children 
The After School Meltdown Strategy That Really Works 
