How do I help a child calm down when upset?

Stay calm and kind, move them somewhere safe if needed, and use a simple plan like a few slow breaths. Save the talk for later.

What is a calm down corner?

A small, quiet spot with soft seating and a few calming things, like a stuffed animal, a breathing poster or a feelings book, where a child goes to settle when they're upset, explains Alicia Ead, LICSW, of Bradley Hospital. It's for feeling better, so practice using it while your child is already calm.

When should we talk about what happened?

Once your child is calm. That's the time to talk about the feeling and what might help next time.

Is there a calm down book for kids?

Tella makes a story instead of a printed book. It stars your child using their own calm down plan, and it's ready the same day on your phone, tablet or TV.

All big feelings

How to help a child calm down

Stay calm yourself, give them a simple plan like slow breaths, and talk about the feeling once they've settled.

Custom story for Rosy

Rosy's little sister spoils her baking time, so she builds a quiet fort and finds her calm.

Purple Flour and the Snail Castle

Story created for Rosy

Brookes Publishing, makers of the ASQ child development screens, suggests staying kind and respectful even when you're upset, moving your child if they're not somewhere safe, and sticking to a consistent daily routine. A calm down plan can be as simple as taking several slow breaths. Once your child is calm, talk about feelings and solutions.

A social story is one way to practice the plan before it's needed: your child sees themselves get upset, use their plan and settle. That's why Tella is built so the story stars your child, with their own cozy spot and the grown-up nearby.

A calm down social story starring your child

Here's how Rosy's story goes.

Wren spills the flour, and Rosy's cheeks get hot.
Rosy builds a blanket fort, a quiet place all her own.
Calm again, Rosy hands Wren a snail card with a purple crown.
The sisters settle in together under the fairy lights.

Watch Rosy’s whole story

Questions parents ask

How do I help a child calm down when upset?: Stay calm and kind, move them somewhere safe if needed, and use a simple plan like a few slow breaths. Save the talk for later.
What is a calm down corner?: A small, quiet spot with soft seating and a few calming things, like a stuffed animal, a breathing poster or a feelings book, where a child goes to settle when they're upset, explains Alicia Ead, LICSW, of Bradley Hospital. It's for feeling better, so practice using it while your child is already calm.
When should we talk about what happened?: Once your child is calm. That's the time to talk about the feeling and what might help next time.
Is there a calm down book for kids?: Tella makes a story instead of a printed book. It stars your child using their own calm down plan, and it's ready the same day on your phone, tablet or TV.

Questions parents ask about Tella

Is it more screen time?: You watch it together, and it's about a real day in your child's life. No feed, and every story has an ending.
Is it safe?: No photo needed. See what we keep and who sees it.
Is it really about my child?: Every scene shows your child and your family, not a name dropped into a template.
What does it cost?: Your first story is free. No card needed.
Why not just ask ChatGPT?: See how a Tella story compares.

Updated October 30, 2026.

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