Calm Toolbox Cards

Printable coping-skills cards for kids, families, and classrooms

Why this matters

Childhood is when the brain’s “self-regulation network” is wiring up. When young people regularly practice simple mindfulness and coping skills, they grow into happier, more resilient teens and adults, with better attention, mood, and relationships. These cards make emotional skills easy, fun, and doable anywhere—so kids actually use them when it counts.

Evidence snapshot

• Mindfulness helps kids. Reviews of youth programs show improvements in anxiety, attention, and behavior.¹ ²

• Name it to tame it. Simply labeling feelings calms the brain’s alarm system.³

• Slow breathing & movement reset the body. Paced breath and gentle movement raise heart-rate variability (vagal tone) and reduce stress arousal.⁴

• Brief practices work. Short activities like progressive muscle relaxation and movement breaks can quickly lower tension and boost on-task behavior.⁵ ⁶

When skills are taught early and practiced often, self-regulation becomes a habit kids can carry for life.

What you get

• 108+ beautifully illustrated cards (printable) covering breath, grounding, mindful movement, cognitive reframes, connection, and playful resets.

• Icon legend on the first card so anyone can use the deck at a glance:

  ⏱ Time • ⚡ Energy effect • 🧸 Optional prop • 🧍/🤝 Mode • 💗 Do when I’m feeling… • 🧪 Science (one-liner) • 👍 Tiny challenge

• Ready-to-print PDF (classroom & home printers) + high-resolution images for slides/whiteboards or for printing.

• Teacher-tested with the joyful Rainbow Kids Yoga approach loved by over 35,000+ educators worldwide.

Why are these cards different?

• Accessible anywhere, anytime. Most take 1–3 minutes, need little or no props, and work solo, in pairs, or with a group.

• Inclusive by design. Diverse, child-friendly illustrations; plain-language steps; movement options to sit/stand; sensory-friendly alternatives.

• Fun & light. Games, imagery, and creative poses keep practice playful—because skills kids enjoy are the skills they remember.

Who they’re for

• Teachers & school counsellors: Morning meetings, cool-down corners, transitions, test days.

• Therapists & youth workers: Session starters, regulation breaks, homework between visits.

• Parents & caregivers: Bedtime routines, car rides, “big feelings” moments.

• Coaches & activity leaders: Team huddles, reset between drills.

How to use (3 quick steps)

1. Match the moment. Use the “Do when I’m feeling…” line to pick a card.

2. Try it. Follow the short “Try it” steps; aim for one slow minute.

3. Notice & repeat. If it helps, repeat or choose another card that fits.

Tiny, frequent reps > long, rare sessions. Calm is a practice.

After you purchase

You’ll immediately receive a secure link to download your files. Save them to print at home or school and to use digitally in slides or on your smartboard. 

FAQs

What ages? Best for ages 3–16; easy to adapt for older/younger with the Tiny Challenge on each card.

How many cards? 108 unique practices, plus an Intro/Legend card.

Is this secular? Yes—suitable for public schools, clinics, and community settings.

Printing tips? Print on card stock (BIG: US Letter or A4 or SMALL: A6). Laminate for long-term use; hole-punch a corner to make a flip deck.

Licensing? Your purchase includes a single-educator/family license. For schools, districts, or teams, contact us for site licenses.

Bring calm to your classroom, clinic, or home—one joyful card at a time.

Selected research

1. Zoogman, S., et al. (2015). A meta-analysis of mindfulness-based interventions in youth. J Child Fam Stud.

2. Dunning, D. L., et al. (2019). Research review: The effects of mindfulness-based interventions on school-aged children and adolescents. J Child Psychol Psychiatry.

3. Lieberman, M. D., et al. (2007). Putting feelings into words reduces amygdala activity. Psychological Science.

4. Zaccaro, A., et al. (2018). How breath-control can change your life: HRV and slow breathing. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience.

5. Manzoni, G. M., et al. (2008). Relaxation training for anxiety: A meta-analysis. Depression & Anxiety.

6. Donnelly, J. E., & Lambourne, K. (2011). Classroom-based physical activity improves on-task behavior. Prev Med.

Rainbow Kids Yoga is making mindfulness playful, practical, and inclusive for every child. 🌈