The “focus on the present” prompt gives adults a simple grounding activity to use when a child is overwhelmed: look around and name five things they can see. Alongside breathing, reassurance and calm communication, the poster offers practical panic attack support for parents, carers, teachers and children’s workers.
Designed to help a child, young person or teenager feel safer during a panic attack, this one-page printable sets out nine clear actions for the adult beside them. It supports parents, foster carers, school staff, pastoral workers and family members who want calm, usable steps for responding to panic symptoms in the moment.
The sequence begins with staying calm and present, using a gentle voice and remaining with the child. It then suggests slow breathing, including breathing in for four, holding for four and breathing out for six, while making clear that breathing exercises should never be forced. Validation prompts such as “That feels really scary. I’m here with you” help adults acknowledge fear without dismissing it.
Grounding and sensory support are covered through a present-moment exercise, reducing noise, bright lights and distractions, and creating a quiet safe space where possible. The poster also identifies unhelpful phrases, including “Calm down” and “You’re fine”, offering a useful reminder for adults supporting anxious children, kids and teens during intense distress.
Later steps encourage staying with the child until the episode passes, reflecting afterwards on what helped, and making a simple plan for next time. A final safety section explains when to seek additional professional support, medical advice or emergency help, including breathing difficulties, unresponsiveness, severe chest pain, new or unusual symptoms, or uncertainty about the cause.
