Try these self control and calming strategies:
- Designate a “Calm Area” of your home. This place should not be completely separate from everything and everyone, but rather a comfortable space that is clearly marked with tools to help the child calm down (e.g. a pillow, stuffed animal, blanket, fidget toys, glitter jar). They should know that they can leave any time they feel they are ready.
- Blow bubbles with children as a way to practice deep breathing to remain calm. Draw attention to the idea that if you blow too fast or slow, the bubbles won’t work. You need to breath from the belly at an even pace. This is type of breathing is also one way we can help ourselves stay calm.
- Play games that help develop self-control such as “Red Light, Green Light,” “Freeze Tag,” or “What time is it Mr. Wolf?”
