Calming Kit

HOW TO USE THE CALMING KIT? Initially, Parents/caregivers can give the young person an explanation about the purpose of the Calming Kit and how to use each tool/strategy inside. During this initial introduction to the Kit we advise parents/caregivers to explain to the young person that this Kit can be used in times when experiencing: High emotions some of which include frustration/anger/worry/feelings of anxiety/fears/sadness. OR it can also be used when requested by the young person even in times when feeling calm and happy. This will reinforce ways to self-regulate. It will instill a sense of consistency for the child ensuring they are constantly implementing the coping and regulating strategies in their day to day lives. After initial use, we advise parents/caregivers to introduce the Calming Kit regularly to the young person when they notice the young person is feeling distressed or sad. During this time, briefly explain the purpose of the Kit in case the child has forgotten and invite them to choose which tool/strategy they would like to use based on their needs. After consistent use of the Kit the young person may likely reach out to the Kit independently to support themselves when necessary. The Kit is a great way to promote parent-child interactions, supporting the young person to enhance emotional regulation and positive growth. WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE CALMING KIT? Worry Box and  paint– The worry box helps to symbolise the idea that worries/anxious feelings are only thoughts that we can distance ourselves from. This helps externalise worries, provides a sense of control over fears, promotes mindfulness, and encourages expression. Playdough Box – Playdough is a form of sensory play and young people can express their feelings through moulding and shaping. This can aid in promoting relaxation, tactile exploration, fine motor skills development, and emotional expression in a non-verbal way. Bubble Solution and Wands – Blowing bubbles creates a sense of exploration and opportunities for interactive play. Bubbles can assist in cultivating mindfulness, and they have a calming effect on the nervous system. In addition, watching bubbles float can be soothing for young people. Blowing bubbles encourages deep breathing, promotes focus on the present moment, relieves stress and anxiety, and enhances mood. Colouring In Books and Crayons – Colouring helps with relaxation, and expression of emotions through colours and patterns. Colouring is a great way to help shift our emotions, making us feel calmer and happier! It’s a great distraction when we are feeling worried or anxious. Pop-it and Pop-tubes – Pop-it and Pop-tubes are a great sensory engagement and are full of fun. They provide tactile stimulation and enhance fine motor skills. Engaging in this activity may assist in calming and regulating the young person through repetitive actions. Jellystone Design Sensory DIY Calm Down Bottle – This is used for visual calming, mindfulness, and sensory exploration. Sensory bottles are a great tool to promote relaxation, create positive emotions, and help reduce feelings of frustration. Contents may be replaced, and bottles can be re-used as many times as you like. Ideal for focused, soothing play, the DIY Calm Down Bottle is a favorite among parents, teachers, and therapists. It supports children in self-regulating their breathing and regaining attention by focusing on the swirling contents. From the sparkling magic inside to the textured silicone caps, it offers a hands-on sensory experience that helps calm busy minds and provides a moment of calm. The Calm Down Bottle is available in either a Soccer, or Pink theme. Rice Stress Ball Kit – This rice stress ball is a great interactive activity for the parent/carer to engage with the young person. Repeatedly squeezing the balloon releases tension and in turn helps to relieve feelings of worry/frustration/anger. You can also use this at school. The rice stress ball supports with hand muscle strengthening, and sensory stimulation. Emotional Regulation Flash Cards – These cards help identify feelings and provide strategies for regulation. The parent/carer can engage with the young person to identify how they are feeling. On the back of the cards are some helpful questions to ask the young person, followed by different coping strategies. The feelings cards enhance emotional awareness and vocabulary, encourages communication about emotions, supports emotional regulation, and promotes empathy. These cards are available in English and English/Arabic. Handouts and Worksheets – A worry thermometer, feelings check-in handout, and a marker can be placed centrally in the home and is a great tool to use to help the young person talk about their feelings, measure how they are doing emotionally, and utilise appropriate coping strategies to shift their mood when things are getting tough. Every Calming Kit comes with a bonus surprise gift bag of sensory goodies!!    Please Note: Items may differ per calming kit and are chosen at random. This includes: pop tube colour, bubble solution/bubble wands colour, pop it shape, colouring in book theme, and balloon colour in the rice stress ball activity. You may choose the language of your Emotional Regulation Cards (English OR English/Arabic). You may also choose either a Pink OR Soccer themed Jellystone Sensory DIY Calm Down Bottle. Handouts and helpful use instructions to get the most out of your Calming Kit are included.