Soothing Without Screens

Navigating when and how to use media and technology — and when to take a break — can be challenging. But you and your family have what it takes!  

Fortunately, simple, screen-free activities can help children manage their emotions. Try introducing a few child-friendly strategies and see what works best for your family. The key to calming-down techniques is practicing them ahead of time. Incorporate them into fun play moments, and discuss how these activities can help with big feelings. That way, children will be ready to use them when they need them most. 

• Move it Out. Physical activity can help children calm down — you might encourage children to jump, run, or dance. 

• Use Your Senses. Invite children to close their eyes and open them. Ask, “What colors do you see, what objects do you see, what do you hear, smell, taste?” 

• Cozy Corner. Provide a quiet calming corner or space that is safe for children to take a break and calm themselves. They can have a favorite stuffy, blanket, or some other object if it helps. 

• Comfort Box. Give children opportunities for creative exploration. Fill a box with child-safe objects and give children time to handle and think about the objects with curiosity and wonder. Activities like these that foster independent play like can help children overcome feelings of boredom in the future. 

• Role model. You help your child learn how to manage emotions when you show them how you calm yourself.  I’m upset because I made a mistake, but I am going to take a deep breath and try again. 

You’ve got this! 

Every child is unique, and finding the right strategies for your family will take some trial and error. Remember, practice makes better — not perfect. 

Special thanks to Mitch Prinstein, Mary Alvord, Ph.D., Jacqueline Nesi, and Linda Charmaraman of the American Psychological Association for their insight into this topic.