This clear and reassuring poster explains common skills that children and young people cannot do yet when they are overwhelmed, upset, tired or stressed. It helps adults understand that emotional regulation, impulse control and coping with strong emotions are developmental skills that grow over time with support and safety.
The poster highlights realistic limits, such as staying calm when overwhelmed, thinking clearly when upset, explaining big feelings in the moment, learning during a meltdown, switching tasks quickly, managing hunger or tiredness, controlling impulses every time, handling adult expectations all day, and regulating emotions without support.
This resource supports children, kids, young people, teens and teenagers with emotional wellbeing, behaviour, feelings and self regulation. It encourages a developmentally appropriate and trauma informed way of thinking, helping adults reduce unrealistic expectations that often lead to frustration, conflict or shame.
The poster is suitable for parents, carers, foster carers, adoptive parents, teachers, social workers, early years staff and family support workers. It works well in homes, schools, classrooms, offices, therapy rooms and training settings as a clear visual reminder to respond with patience, understanding and support.
This is a free printable PDF that can be used for direct work with families, parenting support, staff training and reflective practice.
