This FREE 5-4-3-2-1 Calm Down Tool – Pause. Breathe. Look Around is a printable grounding poster that helps children, kids, teens and young people manage anxiety, stress, anger and emotional overwhelm. Based on the trusted 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique, this simple sensory coping strategy guides children and teenagers to name what they can see, feel, hear, smell and taste. This helps calm the nervous system, reduce panic and bring their focus back to the present moment.
This calm down tool for kids and teens supports emotional regulation, self-control and behaviour management. It is especially helpful for children and young people who struggle with anxiety, meltdowns, emotional dysregulation or sensory overload. It can support neurodivergent children, including those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder ASD, trauma experiences or social, emotional and mental health needs.
The clear, visual format makes it easy to use as an anxiety coping skill, grounding exercise, self-soothing strategy or behaviour support tool in classrooms, therapy sessions, pastoral care, youth work and at home. It can be used for direct work to teach practical coping skills, strengthen resilience and improve children’s and teenagers’ mental health and wellbeing. Suitable for parents, carers, teachers, SEN staff, social workers, youth workers, counsellors, therapists and other professionals supporting children, kids and teenagers with emotional and behavioural difficulties.
