Today's Tip for Families

2026-09-29

Elementary school children on the playground.

Teach Your Child Self-Calming Techniques

Many things can upset elementary schoolers: Being put down. Feeling left out. Not getting what they want. Stress in their family. Failure.

Children who don't know how to calm down when feeling stressed can develop academic and social problems. Self-calming techniques can help your child learn to manage and avoid lashing out in anger or frustration.

Help your child use these strategies when feeling upset:

Take solo time. Suggest that your child go to a different room to relax and regroup. Keep materials there that give comfort—books, music, art supplies, hobbies, a journal.
Tackle a chore—such as vacuuming or cleaning your child's bedroom. The task should be something that will help your child burn off steam or feel good about helping the family.
Exercise. Have your child bike, jog or dance.
Sing a silly song.
Shake arms, legs, hands, feet and head to “shake off” feelings.
Share feelings with a trusted person.
Commune with nature. Encourage your child to go outside, cuddle a pet, or dig in dirt.
Write a letter.
Ask for a hug.
Take a warm bath.
Find something about the situation to laugh at.

Brought to you by:

West Point Consolidated School District