I say it with words
When I'm sad, I say it and ask for what I need.
What shall we take out of the backpack? To print
The backpack cards
One card per tool, for your child, and one "if… then" card for you. Print them, cut them out and stick them where you can see them. When the real moment comes, ask: what shall we take out of the backpack?
Happy and Sad House
- If I see my child is sad, then I say "it looks like you're sad" and I wait; I don't rush the feeling away.
Under the wing
Stop (hands still) → hug myself → breathe → say how I feel.
What shall we take out of the backpack?Angry House
- If my child gets angry, then I say "you're angry" and we go under the wing together.
- If they want to hit, then I stop them calmly ("I won't let you hit") and offer to say it instead.
I ask my grown-up for help
When I'm scared, I go to my grown-up. "Not yet" is okay too.
What shall we take out of the backpack?Scared House
- If my child is scared, then I say "you're scared; I'm here with you" and help them look at what it was, without rushing.
New cards appear here when their house opens.