Calm down toolbox
3–4 yearsEmotional WellbeingNo materials needed
Create a simple calm down plan with your child. Practice three calming strategies together like taking deep breaths, counting to five, or hugging a stuffed animal. Make it playful by pretending to feel upset and then using the tools. This teaches emotion regulation skills your child can use independently.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
Create a simple calm down plan with your child. Practice three calming strategies together like taking deep breaths, counting to five, or hugging a stuffed animal. Make it playful by pretending to feel upset and then using the tools. This teaches emotion regulation skills your child can use independently.
Why It Works
Executive function development at this age allows children to apply regulation strategies they learn. Children with higher emotional intelligence experience significantly better relationship satisfaction, job performance, and mental health throughout life (Bar-On, 2006). Teaching strategies explicitly during this critical window builds lifelong emotional competence.
Tips for Parents
Practice when your child is already calm, not during meltdowns.
Model using the strategies yourself when you feel frustrated.
Praise efforts to use strategies, even if imperfect.
Materials Needed
None
Learning Methods
Narrative and Literacy-Rich ExperiencesCollaborative and Cooperative PlayInquiry-Based Learning
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