Practical Strategies for Staying Calm as a Parent
Staying calm doesn’t mean allowing disrespect ​or ignoring behavior.
It means responding from a place of regulation, leadership, and care. Be an example for your child.
​Every time you pause instead of reacting, you are teaching your child or teen how to manage big emotions,
even if it doesn’t feel like it in the moment.
Calm Down Cards 
You can create your own stack of cards based on your child's preferences. 
​Download the sample pack:  
​calm_down_card_examples.pdf​
Use Storytime as a strategy for calming tired/over stimulated children:
Allow your child to choose a story for you to read to them. 
*Kindle Unlimited can be accessed from anywhere on any device and allows you to choose from as many stories as you would like so it is super handy for parents at a moment's notice. For older children, they may like to go to a quiet area and read themselves or they may still prefer that you read to them. 
Your calm, soothing voice is essential for effective co-regulation.
Sensory Items for Calming
A weighted vest or blanket be effective in calming a child who is in distress. It feels like a hug. 
However, it should never be forced upon the child.
​If the child is resistant, it is advisable its use when the child is already calm, or alternatively, place the weighted blanket on yourself and allow the child approach voluntarily.
Strategies for growing Capable Kids
Very young children can pretend to help with tasks like water flowers, pick weeds, etc.

While not necessary, children love to have their own special tools.
Children can learn to tighten a screw, sand a board, or start learning to use a hammer correctly by holding a nail with pliers and practicing on a piece of wood. 

Teaching children of all ages how to do everyday tasks and learning special skills that you may have is critical to their confidence and to becoming responsible.
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It is important to learn about wearing protective equipment as well.
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Teaching Restorative Practices
Jobs for Teens
Help teens get a summer job, start a business, or help a neighbor to build responsibility and an understanding of what the real world is like.

They may need help figuring out what to do or how to do it.  These types of tasks completed with parental support can help teens develop the confidence they so lack as their bodies and minds are overwhelmed with the changes occurring.

Take any opportunity to do things with your teens that build these qualities.
Words Kids Need to Hear
You Are Safe
  • You’re safe right now.
  • I’m here with you.
  • We can take this one step at a time.
  • It’s okay to slow down.

Big Feelings Are Welcome Here
  • Your feelings are normal.
  • It’s okay to feel upset.
  • Big feelings won’t last forever.
  • You’re allowed to feel how you feel.

When Things Feel Hard
  • Mistakes help us learn.
  • You don’t have to be perfect.
  • I’m proud of your effort.
  • Mistakes help our brains grow.
  • Trying is what really matters.
  • I’m proud of you for trying.
You Are Enough
  • You are enough just as you are.
  • You matter so much.
  • You are loved.
  • You don’t have to earn love.
  • You don’t have to earn kindness.

Let’s Calm Our Bodies
  • Let’s take a breath together.
  • It’s okay to take a break.
  • What does your body need right now?
  • You can take your time.

Words Teens Need to Hear
  • I trust you.
  • I respect how you feel.
  • You make good decisions.  I trust your choices. (When appropriate)
  • Your voice matters.
  • I’m listening—tell me more.
These phrases help build calm, connection, and confidence.
​Use them at home, in classrooms, or anywhere children and teens need reassurance.
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