My calm-down toolkit
3–4 yearsEmotional WellbeingNo materials needed
Create a simple calm-down plan with your child. Together, identify three things that help them feel better when upset, like taking deep breaths, hugging a stuffed animal, or counting to five. Practice these strategies during playtime when your child is calm, so they're easier to use when needed.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
Create a simple calm-down plan with your child. Together, identify three things that help them feel better when upset, like taking deep breaths, hugging a stuffed animal, or counting to five. Practice these strategies during playtime when your child is calm, so they're easier to use when needed.
Why It Works
Building a coping strategy toolkit directly addresses resilience through skill development. School-based resilience interventions that teach coping skills show significant increases in emotional regulation and interpersonal skills (Castro-Olivo et al., 2022). Children who learn specific strategies for managing stress develop patterns that buffer against difficulties throughout life, reducing the risk of anxiety disorders by 65% (Masten & Motti-Stefanidi, 2020).
Tips for Parents
Keep the strategies simple and concrete for this age group.
Practice the calm-down steps together when your child is already happy and regulated.
Refer back to the toolkit when your child faces real frustrations during activities.
Materials Needed
None
Learning Methods
Project-Based LearningInquiry-Based LearningStructured Learning Activities
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