Thrive Creations
My Calm Cards | A Toolkit for Big Feelings | Meltdown Support
My Calm Cards | A Toolkit for Big Feelings | Meltdown Support
A practical, child-friendly tool to support emotional regulation when feelings get big.
My Calm Cards are a visual toolkit designed to help neurodivergent children choose calming strategies when emotions start to rise. This pocket-sized pack includes 14 kid-focused regulation tools (printed double-sided across 7 sturdy A6 cards) all bound on a secure keyring so they stay together and are easy to flip through during high-stress moments.
Each strategy is illustrated with a clear visual and simple language, helping children select what might help them in the moment - whether it’s deep breathing, asking for space, using noise-cancelling headphones, or getting a hug.
These cards are not about stopping a meltdown entirely, and they’re not a guarantee of prevention. But they can help children regulate sooner, or reduce the intensity and duration of a meltdown. Used consistently and introduced with care, they provide a gentle way to intervene before emotions boil over, and support your child in choosing their own tools for self-regulation.
Each pack includes:
- 14 calming strategies (7 double-sided cards for children)
- 1 double-sided instruction card and co-regulation support card for caregivers
- All cards are A6 landscape, full-colour and connected with a sturdy metal keyring in the top left corner
My Calm Cards offer a simple, powerful way to bring calm to the chaos - even if the storm still comes.
They are the perfect addition to your child’s regulation toolbox - and a beautiful complement to the Meltdown Tracker Extension or other Thrive for Kids resources.
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Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ - Click to Read
Q: When should my child be introduced to the Calm Cards?
A: My Calm Cards work best when introduced before big emotions take over. Many families explore the cards together during calm moments, then gently prompt their child to choose a strategy when they notice feelings starting to rise, at which point they will already be familiar with them.
FAQ - Click to Read
Q: Will these stop my child’s meltdowns?
A: These cards are not designed to stop meltdowns completely. Instead, they help children regulate earlier, reduce emotional intensity, and build awareness of what helps them feel calmer over time.
FAQ - Click to Read
Q: Can my child use these independently?
A: Yes! The simple visuals and child-friendly language help children recognise and choose strategies themselves. Some children may still need gentle guidance or co-regulation, especially at the beginning, which is why a caregiver support card is included.
FAQ - Click to Read
Q: How are My Calm Cards different from other calming tools?
A: These cards are portable, visual, and choice-based, empowering children to actively select what helps them in the moment. Rather than being told how to calm down, children learn to recognise their needs and build their own regulation toolkit.