What to say: when feelings run high

The sheet

Eight first sentences, each from a quick tip in the library, with a line on when to say it.

Cards to cut out · A4, eight cards to cut · One page · PDF, 59 KB

How it helps

In the middle of a meltdown, the right words are hard to find, and too many make things worse. Each card has one short first sentence, from a quick tip in the library, so it’s ready when you need it.

How to use it

1. Cut out the eight cards. Each names the quick tip it comes from, which has the rest.
2. Choose the one or two that fit what’s happening at home now, and keep them where you’ll see them: on the fridge, by the kettle, in your pocket.
3. Say the sentence in your own voice, and follow the line beneath it.
4. Keep what you say short. One sentence, calmly said, is often enough.

How to get this sheet

This sheet comes with a subscription. It is also yours if a teacher or therapist sends it to you. School staff and therapists signed in to their shelf can print it too.

Free to print

These are free to anyone, with nothing to sign up for.

• A plan for a bad dayTo fill in together · A4
• Before you ring the schoolFor a call or a meeting · A4
• What to say: school and friendsCards to cut out · A4, eight cards to cut
• Before the SENCo meetingFor a meeting · A4
• Three reports, side by sideFor a meeting · A4 landscape
• The return-to-school meetingFor a meeting · A4
• The move to secondary school, for a parents’ eveningFor a parents’ evening · A4, five pages
• The last half-hour before bedFor the fridge · A4
• The worry ladderTo fill in together · A4
• Before you see the GP about your childFor an appointment · A4, two sides
• A record of what happenedFor a call or a meeting · A4, two pages
• The people I can tellTo make together · A4, two pages

Every sheet, marked free or with a subscription, is at theparentbook.com/printables.