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The Play Tools

The Play Tools

Simple strategies to get back to play when things fall apart

The squeeze and release

The squeeze and release

A quick stress-relief tool for calm and focus Does your child sometimes feel restless or tense? The squeeze and release is a simple technique that helps release built-up energy and tension, promoting calmness and focus in just a minute.

Shake it out

Shake it out

A quick energy release tool for emotional shifts Introduction Do you sometimes notice that your child becomes restless or frustrated and needs a quick way to release that pent-up energy? Shake it out is a simple, effective tool to help her reset her mood and return to play feeling calmer

Five-finger breathing

Five-finger breathing

A calming tool for self-regulation When your child is flooded with emotion, what's the first thing you try? A hug is a great place to start, but sometimes she doesn't want to be held. And words don't work, especially if you are the cause

Return to the breath

Return to the breath

Teaching your child lifelong self-regulation through mindful breathing My son finds it hard to switch off at night. An hour after lights have gone off, I hear a voice. "Are you there, Dad? I can't sleep." "What's wrong, son?" "I'

Blow the worries away

Blow the worries away

A calming exercise for releasing tension When your child feels overwhelmed or anxious, Blow the Worries Away offers a playful way to help her calm down and let go of those feelings. By pairing slow, intentional breathing with imagination - and even bubbles - this activity turns stress relief into

The magic breath

The magic breath

Calming and empowering through mindful breathing** When your child feels overwhelmed or restless, The Magic Breath offers a simple yet powerful way to help her find calm. This playful breathing technique combines movement, imagination, and mindfulness to reduce stress and encourage emotional regulation.

The pattern interrupt

The pattern interrupt

Some of my children still have toddler tantrums, which is not cool, because they are not toddlers. Maybe your child does this too. They get in a rut and they don’t know how to break out. They have decided they’re angry and they’re going to continue to