Family Resources
Family Stress & Communication Tools
- Pause before reacting — Take one breath before responding.
- Label emotions out loud — “I’m feeling overwhelmed right now.”
- Use short, simple language during stressful moments.
- Create a calm-down space in the home (a corner, chair, or soft area).
- Reassure children often — safety helps them regulate.
- Try a daily check-in: “Color of the day” (green = calm, yellow = unsure, red = upset).
Emotional Regulation Tools for Parents & Children
- 5-4-3-2-1 grounding — Name 5 things you see, 4 you can touch, etc.
- Butterfly hug — Cross arms over chest and tap shoulders slowly.
- Co-regulation moments — Sit together quietly, breathe together.
- “Name it to tame it” — Naming feelings reduces intensity.
- Body break — 1 minute of stretching, shaking out hands, or walking.
Family Connection Activities (Simple + Low Prep)
- “High–Low–Hope”: each person shares a high moment, a low moment, and one hope.
- 10-minute family walk.
- Music time — choose one calm song and breathe together.
- Gratitude circle — say one thing you appreciate about each other.
What to Do When a Child is Dysregulated
- Lower your voice
- Offer fewer words
- Move slower
- Validate their feelings (“I see you’re upset. I’m here.”)
- Regulate with them, not for them
Videos
Regulation for Kids