Calming strategies
You lose a game and feel upset
deep breathing / count to 10 / take a break
Someone takes your toy
ask for it back / say “I was using that” / tell an adult
You spill your drink
clean it up / get paper towels / ask for help
You don’t win a game
say “good game” / congratulate others / stay calm
You feel like quitting
tell yourself “I can do this” / try again / think positive
You feel really angry
deep breathing / squeeze hands / count slowly
You don’t understand directions
ask for help / say “can you explain again?” / raise your hand
You can’t find your backpack
retrace your steps / look in common places / ask for help
Someone interrupts you
wait your turn / raise your hand / listen
You feel jealous of a friend
focus on yourself / think positive thoughts / remind yourself you’re doing your best
The room is too loud
cover ears / take a break in a quiet space / deep breathing
You feel sad
tell a trusted adult / say “I feel sad” / ask for support
Your toy breaks
try to fix it / ask for help / choose a different toy
You’re waiting in line
keep your spot / wait patiently / hands to self
You feel embarrassed
tell yourself “it’s okay” / everyone makes mistakes / move on
You feel overwhelmed with work
take a break / deep breathing / close eyes for a moment
You want to join a game
ask “can I play?” / use a friendly voice / wait for response
You’re bored
find something to do / ask for an activity / make a plan
Someone bumps into you
say “it’s okay” / stay calm / keep your body calm
Plans suddenly change
tell yourself “that’s okay” / think about the new plan / stay flexible
You feel nervous before a test
deep breathing / count to 10 / relax your body
You need help with homework
ask for help / say “this is hard for me” / raise your hand
You make a mistake on work
erase and try again / fix it / ask for help
A friend wins and celebrates loudly
say “good job” / stay calm / be a good sport
You didn’t get picked first
think “I’ll get a turn” / stay positive / be patient