The Emotional Toolbox
- Posted by spectrum
- On October 16, 2018
- 0
What is an emotional toolbox?
It is not uncommon for children to associate a toolbox with a builder, plumber or painter who require different tools to assist in their daily tasks and job requirements. An emotional toolbox is no different, it allows children to select various learnt or personal tools (strategies) that will help guide them through a challenge or roadblock in their life. These different tools are aimed to fix the problems and control negative emotions and swap them for positive feelings and events.
Having a personal toolbox that is suited to the child or the family will enhance positivity as well as allowing the child to actively and independently overcome obstacles that they may face at any given time. These tools can be categorised into physical relaxation or social tools.
Keep reading to find out some useful tips to help fill your child’s toolbox.
Physical activity tools:
When filling the box with physical activity the hammer is chosen to represent the appropriate tools or movements that physically release emotional energy through a constructive activity. A picture of a hammer is drawn on a large sheet of paper and collaboratively the client and the therapist create a list of safe and fitting physical energy release activities. For the young ones this may include jumping on the trampoline, going on the swing at the park or bouncing on a yoga ball. As the child gets older their tools may need to be replaced for more suitable activities such as going for a run, sports practice or dancing, cycling, swimming or banging on the drums. Some household activities can provide a satisfying emotional release and still provide enough stimulation through physical activity, such as cooking or cleaning.
Relaxation tools:
Another category we can add to our toolbox are relaxation techniques, a paintbrush is an effective symbol to signify this category. Relaxation tools help to calm the child down and lower the heart rate in order to increase their state of mind and overall mood. Each child will respond differently to certain relaxation techniques and it is all about finding out what works best for your child. Some calming activities include drawing, painting, reading and listening to music. Some children may respond to retreating to a quiet secluded space, gentle rocking, squeezing a stress ball. Other relaxing activities include massage, resistance material or body socks, or focusing on breathing slowly and at a consistent pace. E.g. four seconds to inhale and 4 seconds to exhale.
Social tools:
This item of tools (strategies) uses other people as a means of managing their feelings. The aim is for the child to have positive and meaningful connections with friends, family members, teacher or an animal to support them appropriately. Different support or social strategies include talking with a family or friend, using online chat networks, playing with a pet or therapy dog, or volunteer in their local community. The social activity will need to be enjoyable and without the stress to encourage positive connections throughout a child’s day.
Amie’s favourite tools
Physical tools | Relaxation tools | Social tools |
o Going for a run/power walk
o Playing golf o Dance/gym class o Washing her car o Swimming |
o Listen to music
o Walk her dog o Get a massage o Get her hair done o Read a book |
o Team sports
o Social media o Playing with dog o Talking with a friend o Having dinner with her family |