A calm choices board you can make your own

When a young child is overwhelmed, it can be hard for them to say what they need. A picture board gives them a simple way to choose.

The Calm Choices Board is a free tool you can set up in a few minutes. Your child sees big picture cards, taps one, and hears the choice read out loud. You pick what goes on the board, so it matches what already helps in your home.

How it works

• Start with a few choices that fit your child, like breathing, hugging a favorite stuffie, or sitting in a calm spot. Two to four is plenty.

• Add your own, using an emoji or a photo of their real blanket, toy, or calm space.

• Practice when everything is calm, not in the middle of a hard moment. Tap a choice together first.

• Let them choose, and cheer the choosing, whichever one they pick.

Good to know

• Everything stays on the device you set it up on. Nothing is uploaded or sent to anyone, and photos are shrunk and kept there only.

• A different phone or tablet will start fresh, so set it up on the one your child uses.

• It isn’t a communication (AAC) device. It’s a simple choice board, not a replacement for any communication system your child uses.

You can find it on the Tools page. If you try it and think of something that would make it better, send a note through the Contact page.

Gentle Compass shares general information only. It isn’t medical, clinical, or legal advice.