Feeling Worried or Nervous? Take a Calm-Down Idea is a gentle, supportive tear-off poster created to help children and young people manage feelings of anxiety, worry, or nervousness. Each tear-off slip offers a simple, effective calming activity that can be used in the moment—helping children feel more in control when emotions are big.
This free printable resource is ideal for classrooms, therapy rooms, community spaces, or home use, giving children the chance to choose a strategy that works best for them.
What’s Inside This Calm-Down Tear-Off Poster?
-
Quick, child-friendly calming strategies – Each tear-off slip includes a grounding idea or mindful activity such as:
• Take 5 slow breaths
• Blow out 10 pretend candles
• Close your eyes and think of a happy place
• Name 10 things you can see
• Stretch up, then flop down
• Squeeze and relax your hands
• Count to 10 and then back
• Tap your fingers gently on your legs
• Put your hand on your chest and feel it move
• Draw or doodle how you feel -
Designed to promote emotional regulation – Helps children identify their feelings and choose a safe way to calm their body and mind.
-
Reinforces independence – Encourages children to pick a calming activity themselves and use it whenever they need support.
-
Soothing and easy to use – Simple instructions and familiar language make it accessible to a wide range of ages and needs.
How Can the Resource Be Used Practically?
-
In schools and early years settings – Display in quiet areas, calm-down corners, or near classroom doors for easy access during transitions or stressful moments.
-
At home with families – A helpful tool to support children during morning routines, bedtime, or after emotionally charged situations.
-
In therapy or emotional support work – Perfect for counsellors, therapists, and support workers to use during sessions or recommend as part of a child’s toolkit.
-
With children who experience anxiety or overwhelm – Especially useful for those with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing challenges.
-
As part of mental health or wellbeing lessons – Can be included in social-emotional learning (SEL) activities or PSHE displays.
This printable tear-off poster provides a child-friendly and accessible way to support emotional regulation, reduce anxiety, and build self-soothing skills.
