Have you tried calm down strategies with students or clients and they just don’t seem to stick? You are not alone!
Most “calm down routines” don’t actually teach regulation.
They teach kids to calm and quiet their bodies (even if that’s not actually what their bodies need in order to become regulated).
They’re also usually introduced only after a child is already overwhelmed. And adults expect them to work in that moment.
And when they don’t… it can feel like the child isn’t trying, or the strategy just doesn’t work.
But it’s not the child at fault… It’s that regulation doesn’t work that way.
It’s something that has to be individualized based on each child’s needs.
It needs to be practiced when kids are already regulated, so it’s familiar and actually accessible when it’s needed.
This regulation routine was created with that in mind.
What makes this different:
This isn’t a typical "calm down" chart
It’s designed to:
Support regulation before, during, and after hard moments
Be flexible in how it’s used
Be individualized for each child
Include movement, energy, and special interests
Avoid forcing calm or compliance
Be carried over from school to home to support the child in all environments
Why it’s a circle:
Most routines are set up like a checklist. First this. Then this. Then you’re done.
But regulation doesn’t have a clear start and finish.
Some kids need one strategy. Some need more. And some kids might need to circle back to the beginning and do it again.
That’s why this regulation routine is a circle:
Kids can move through strategies, check back in with their body, and decide if they need more support or if they’re ready to move on.
There’s no “doing it wrong” or pressure to complete every step. The goal isn’t to finish the routine.
It’s to support regulation in a way that actually reflects what the child’s body needs.
What’s included:
A license to share *digitally* with families
Education for adults for how to best understand regulation and dysregulation
Education for adults for how best to use this regulation routine
Visual regulation routine (multiple layout options)
Customizable visuals and templates
Breathing and regulation strategies
Guidance for incorporating special interests
Flexible options for different ages and needs
Instructions for introducing and using the routine, including a social story for kids
Who this is for:
Educators or therapist who feel like calm down strategies aren’t working or are forcing compliance
Kids who need more than just quiet or breathing to regulate
Children who benefit from movement, sensory input, or special interests
Educators looking for something proactive, not just reactive
Educators interested in sharing regulation strategies with caregivers