2.5y–4.2y9 minFamily timeFree playQuiet time
Big Feelings, Safe Moves
Coach the adult to practise safe, non-harmful ways for your child to handle anger and other strong feelings using a simple ‘choose-a-tool’ routine and calming language.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a pillow or cushion
- a sheet of paper (or old junk mail) and a crayon/pen
Nice to have
- a small soft ball or rolled-up socks
- a small empty container (e.g., a tub) as a ‘calm tools’ box
Movement level: mild
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneFollows adult safety guidanceHeart· 2.5y–4y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneCalms with adult helpHeart· 20mo–3.2y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneExpresses feelings through words or actionsHeart· 22mo–3y· core
- MilestoneUses movement to express feelings.Heart· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneNames own feelingsHeart· 3y–4y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneInitiates a calming strategyHeart· 18mo–3y· core
- MilestoneAdjusts to stated expectationsHeart· 2.5y–3.7y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneExpresses situation-appropriate emotionsHeart· 3y–5y· stretch
- MilestoneUses three- to five-word sentencesMind· 2y–4y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneAnswers simple open questionsMind· 2.3y–3.3y· stretch· Step 1
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Provide activities that help children to develop safe ways of dealing with anger and other strong feelings.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)