Modeling calm behavior to children, comforting them with the right words, and managing their fears by practicing calming techniques can help them feel safe during an emergency.
Calming Phrases
- I’m here with you.
- Let’s take some deep breaths.
- We’ll get through this together.
- Let’s count to 10 together.
- I’ll do everything I can to keep you safe.
- We’ll solve this problem.
- Let’s think happy thoughts.
- Let’s sing a happy song.
- Let’s take a little break.
- Close your eyes; now think of a happy place.
- It’s OK to be scared.
- Take a deep breath in, now let it out slowly.
- Remember, I’m here with you, and we’re in this together.
- Let’s think of a happy memory.
- Let’s think of a plan to make things better.
- We have each other.
- We can handle this together.
- I know this is hard, but you’re doing great.
- We’ll figure this out.
Explore these resources to find more ways to help children be calm during emergencies:
- Mindfulness Practices with Children
- Introducing the Turtle Technique!
- Feeling Faces Cards
- Once I Was Very Very Scared
- Sesame Workshop: Traumatic Experiences
Download Calming Phrases and Techniques
