How to Calm Big Emotions is a short story and game that helps children regulate their bodies and emotions. Whether a child is struggling with anger outbursts, anxiety, or excitement with impulse control problems, the same coping skills will help. This small, simple resource is loaded with tools and information to help children with emotional regulation. The book helps children identify different types of coping skills and provides engaging pictures to help them understand and remember them.
 
The game helps children to identify skills that will be most useful for them in their daily lives. They will also learn important skills including cognitive behavioral therapy skills. By the end of the game, the child will be equipped with a wide range of coping skills, body awareness, and an idea of how to assertively communicate their needs and emotions.
 
Game topics include:
Breathing  - Slow deep breathing exercises are introduced and kids are challenged to consider how deep breathing can impact their bodies.
Walk-It Off – Kids will learn how exercise can help positively release pent-up emotions to help prevent aggression or unhealthy outbursts.
Talk About It – Children will learn how to use words to process and communicate emotions in a meaningful and productive way.
Happy Thoughts – CBT skills are presented to stop intrusive thoughts and redirect them towards positive patterns of thinking.
Comforts – Kids will identify people and things that bring them comfort which can be go-to people and things to find when feeling overwhelmed.
Distractions – Books, movies, toys, and many other activities can provide a mental distraction from a trigger to allow time for the body to calm down.
Toolbox – Coping skill toolboxes are helpful for kids to go to when they are feeling upset. Children often forget their coping skills when they need them the most. These cards will help kids consider items they think would be most helpful for when they need to regulate.
Redirection – Sometimes a small redirection is all that is needed to avoid big blowups. These cards help kids consider ways to redirect thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in a positive way.
This resource is simple, yet powerfully effective at helping children regulate big emotions. They will have a robust toolbox full of new skills to help them overcome big challenges in life. Children often feel a great sense of relief when they discover how they can take control of their bodies to stop unwanted emotional responses.
 
Product Details:
The book/game cover, gameboard, and cards are printed on 110 lb cardstock. The interior pages of the book are printed on 64 lb paper. It is bound by a 6mm spiral. You will receive 1 die and 6 pawns.
 
Recommended Ages:
This resource is best for children ages 5-12, but the content is applicable to a wider range of ages.
 
A telehealth version of this resource is available.