Calm Down Techniques for Pre-K Kids

Young children are going to get upset; it's part of being human and learning how to cope with things that may not go as we plan. It's important to teach children productive ways to calm down. Here are a few ideas.
Young children are going to get upset; it's part of being human and learning how to cope with things that may not go as we plan. When pre-k children get irritated, their tantrums can be especially unsettling, but these outbursts offer great opportunities to teach them how to deal with their frustrations in a calm and productive manner.

It's important to teach children productive ways to calm down. Here are a few ideas:

Create Readily-Available Reminders

Different approaches work for different children, so it's important to find whatever method works for you. Poster boards and flash cards on a rotating ring can be a great way to remind your child to calm down when he or she is feeling stressed.

Create posters or flash cards that are illustrated with cartoon characters so you can grab your child's attention and relate to him or her on a level he or she will understand. When your child is having a meltdown, set time aside to talk about the these teaching elements.
  • Does the picture say you can calm down? Talk about how it's important to take deep breaths, step back, and see what's really going on. Children aren't necessarily capable of big-picture conversations, but these formative years allow you to set the stage so they're better able to cope with their frustrations as they grow.
  • Does the picture tell you to take deep breaths? It becomes a game. Your child drew the card that says he or she should take deep breaths, so implore your child's natural desire to please you and be a little competitive. Explain how important it is for your child to follow through with the rules of the card he or she has chosen. Before you know it, the argument will be over.
Ask Your Child to Choose Which Calming Activity They Want to Do

Often, tantrums occur because children feel powerless. You can put the power back in their hands while still imparting discipline. Have your child choose which calming activity they want to do. Make sure the posters or flashcards are filled with several options that you'll be happy with, too, to ensure you're both on the same page in terms of discipline. Make sure you've set parameters, such as time and place, so there's no leeway for manipulation. It's important that the rules be set in stone before the discipline begins.

Consider Other Calming Activities

It's a good idea to have an array of activities in your calming-down arsenal. One option may work a time or two, but kids often get wise to the idea of discipline, and they easily become bored with the same structure.

Here are some other ideas you can incorporate into your child's calm-down regimen:
  • Yoga. Consider enrolling in a kid-friendly yoga class. The physical activity, coupled with breathing and socialization, will help your child hone in on his or her frustrations.
  • Create Sensory Bottles.With a quick online search you can find a tutorial that will help you create calming sensory bottles.
  • Squeeze Something. If your child is intent on having a tantrum, have stress balls ready. By squeezing something that's meant to be squeezed, they'll let go of their anger and frustrations in a non-destructible way.
As a parent of a pre-k child, it's important to remember that outbursts are a natural part of learning and growing. However, out-of-control tantrums aren't necessary. Utilize these techniques to calm your child down, and embrace the opportunities that can help them become better people with each passing day.

All Saints’ Episcopal Day School is a private independent school in Phoenix, Arizona offering pre-k through eighth grade. Learn more about our pre-kindergarten program.

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