CALM STRATEGIES
Absolutely — here’s a comprehensive, multidisciplinary guide combining the expertise of
a neurologist, pediatrician, occupational therapist, behavioral therapist, and child
psychologist, to calm, regulate, and balance a child who:
Runs continuously or cannot stop moving,
Gets upset or overstimulated easily,
Becomes hyperactive or emotional quickly, and
Cries easily or loses control under small triggers.
This guide covers neurological, sensory, emotional, behavioral, and environmental
perspectives, with specific techniques and daily strategies.
1. Neurological and Brain Regulation Approaches
a. Brain Integration & Nervous System Calming
Vagus Nerve Activation – stimulates parasympathetic “calm” mode:
o Deep diaphragmatic breathing (smell the flower, blow the candle).
o Humming, chanting “om,” or singing with vibration near the throat.
o Cold water splash on face or holding cool cloth.
o Slow rocking or gentle swinging.
o Crawling, bear walk, or yoga poses like “child’s pose” and “cat-cow.”
b. Brain Hemisphere Synchronization
Cross-lateral movements:
o Touch right knee with left hand, alternate.
o Cross-crawl marching while saying rhythm words (“tap, tap, step”).
o Drawing infinity (∞) with finger in air or on paper.
c. Brain Chemistry Regulation
Routine rhythm stabilizes dopamine & serotonin.
o Predictable daily schedule (wake, eat, play, rest).
o Balanced meals with protein + complex carbs + omega-3s (fish, eggs, nuts).
o Good hydration & sleep hygiene (cool, dark, quiet room).
2. Sensory Integration Approaches
Children who cry or get hyper easily often have sensory dysregulation.
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a. Deep Pressure (Calming)
Activates proprioceptive input → calms nervous system.
Tight hugs or weighted lap pad.
Burrito wrap in blanket or therapy ball roll over body.
Joint compressions or slow body squeezes.
Carry weighted backpack for a few minutes (supervised).
b. Vestibular (Balance) Input
Too much spinning or running means vestibular seeking.
Controlled swinging (back-and-forth, not spinning).
Slow rocking in rocking chair or therapy swing.
Animal walks (bear, crab, frog jump) before sitting activity.
Crawling through tunnel → helps transition from hyper to calm.
c. Tactile Regulation
Soft textures, fidget toys, clay, or kinetic sand.
Deep hand massage with lotion or textured ball.
Avoid itchy or tight clothing.
d. Oral-Motor Input
Chewing crunchy snacks (carrot, apple) before calm work.
Sucking through straw or blowing bubbles to calm breathing rhythm.
3. Emotional & Psychological Regulation Strategies
a. Emotional Labelling & Co-Regulation
Say feelings aloud: “You’re upset because the toy broke.”
Match tone gently, then soften: “I understand, let’s breathe together.”
Validate emotion first before correction.
b. Zones of Regulation Visuals
Teach emotional colors:
Green – calm, ready to learn
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Yellow – anxious, silly
Red – angry, hyper, crying
Blue – sad, tired
→ Keep emotion tools ready: fidget, breathing, squeeze ball, music, cozy corner.
c. Emotional Reset Techniques
“Smell the flower, blow the candle” 5×.
Counting 1–10 slowly with clapping or tapping.
“Name 3 things you see, 2 you feel, 1 you hear.” (Grounding)
4. Behavioral and Environmental Strategies
a. Predictable & Structured Routine
Children with regulation issues feel safer with predictability.
o Use visual daily schedule cards.
o Warn transitions: “In 2 minutes, we will clean up.”
o Use a visual timer or sand timer.
b. Calm Environment
Reduce visual clutter.
Use soft lighting (warm lamps instead of bright LED).
Use calming background music (slow rhythm, low tone).
Provide a “calm zone” with blanket, pillows, stuffed toys.
c. Positive Behavior Reinforcement
Praise calm behaviors instantly: “You took a deep breath, that’s amazing!”
Use a reward system (stickers, stars, high-fives).
Ignore small whining if safe — respond when calm.
5. Occupational Therapy Techniques
a. Proprioceptive Heavy Work Before Sitting Tasks
Helps discharge extra energy before focused tasks:
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Pushing wall, carrying laundry basket, pulling resistance band.
Climbing playground equipment or crawling through obstacle path.
b. Body Awareness (“Where is my body?”)
Animal yoga (bear, frog, snake, cat stretch).
Balance beam walking or hopscotch.
Mirror games (“copy my movement”) for self-regulation.
6. Sleep and Hormonal Balance
Sleep deprivation worsens irritability and hyperactivity.
Strategies:
Fixed bedtime, calming pre-sleep routine (bath, lullaby).
Dim lights 1 hour before bed.
Avoid screens after 7 PM.
Magnesium-rich snacks (banana, warm milk).
7. Pediatric & Nutritional Support
Rule out iron, vitamin D, omega-3, magnesium, zinc deficiency.
Avoid food dyes, artificial sugars, and processed snacks — these can trigger
hyperactivity.
Offer protein-rich breakfast to stabilize morning energy.
8. Mind-Body Therapies
a. Yoga & Breathing
Poses: Child’s Pose, Butterfly, Cat-Cow, Tree Pose.
Breathing games:
o Blow feathers across table.
o “Hot chocolate breathing” (inhale smell, exhale to cool).
b. Mindfulness & Grounding
“Feel your feet” — press them to floor.
“Listen to your breath.”
Short 2–3 minute daily calm practice.
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9. Parent & Caregiver Techniques
Stay calm yourself — your nervous system co-regulates your child’s.
Lower your voice instead of raising it — child’s brain mirrors tone.
Offer connection before correction — hug, then talk.
Keep short, clear commands — “Sit, breathe, wait.”
Use visual prompts instead of verbal overload.
10. Daily Regulation Routine Example
Time Activity Purpose
Morning Cross-crawl, deep breathing, short sensory play Brain alert + organize
Mid-morning School tasks / learning Focus
Before lunch Heavy work or movement break Calm energy
Afternoon Calm play (puzzles, drawing) Regulation
Evening Rocking, story time Transition to rest
Before bed Deep pressure massage + quiet music Sleep readiness
Would you like me to generate a boy-themed illustrated visual daily calming routine PDF
(color + black & white versions) that combines all these strategies in pictures for easier daily
use?
It will include visual cards for breathing, sensory tools, calm zone, and emotional
regulation.
