When a child is overwhelmed, angry, worried or upset, choosing one calming action can feel much easier than trying to explain everything. This colourful 50 Ways to Manage Big Feelings poster gives children a clear menu of coping skills, sensory activities and simple self-regulation ideas to try at home, school or in support sessions.
Designed to help children move from intense emotions towards a calmer, more settled state, this one-page feelings management poster offers 50 practical coping strategies. It works as a visual emotional regulation tool for young children who benefit from seeing simple choices rather than being asked to think of a strategy in the moment.
Ideas include taking three slow breaths, counting to ten, asking for a hug, getting a drink of water, using a fidget toy, stretching, jumping, stomping feet, listening to a calm song and going for a walk. The poster also includes creative and sensory calming activities such as drawing feelings, colouring slowly, playing with playdough, blowing bubbles, holding something cold and wrapping up in a blanket.
Several prompts support grounding and self-compassion, including finding things to hear, touch and see, thinking of a safe place, saying kind words to yourself, naming the feeling and remembering that big feelings pass. Children can also practise communication and problem-solving skills through prompts to ask for help, tell someone how they feel, make a simple plan and do one small step first.
Primary school pupils, neurodivergent children, parents, teachers, school pastoral staff, counsellors and child therapists may find it useful as a calm corner poster, feelings chart, classroom display or conversation prompt. Print it for a bedroom, sensory space, nurture room or therapy setting, then invite the child to identify a few strategies they would like to try.
