When a child is feeling overwhelmed, upset, worried or overstimulated, having a clear calm plan can make it easier for adults to support them without lots of talking in the moment. The printable sheet is designed for children to complete by colouring, writing and choosing practical coping strategies, making it suitable for primary-aged kids who benefit from visual prompts and simple emotional regulation activities.
The worksheet begins with a feelings check-in where children colour the face that matches how they feel right now: overwhelmed, sad, okay, happy or excited. It then moves into a set of calming tools, with picture prompts for taking five deep breaths, listening to music, reading a book, drawing or colouring, stretching, going outside, writing it out, hugging something soft, drinking water and speaking to someone they trust.
A short “My calm plan” section asks children to write three things they will try when they feel overwhelmed. There is also a “Kind reminder” prompt where they can write a supportive sentence to themselves, helping to build self-kindness, coping language and a sense of control during difficult feelings.
Parents, carers, teachers, school pastoral staff, social workers, play therapists and children’s counsellors could use it in one-to-one sessions, wellbeing work, calm corners, nurture groups, home routines or as part of an anxiety support plan. It may be especially useful for children who find it hard to explain emotions verbally but can point, colour or choose from visual options.
The sheet works well as a children’s calm down worksheet, coping skills printable, emotional regulation activity, anxiety worksheet for kids or wellbeing plan for children. The author is named as Edita Stiborova.
