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One Top Knot Mama

a lifestyle blog about motherhood, fashion & shopping

Helpful tips to teach your child to stay calm and focused when their ADHD gets the best of them

August 11, 2025

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Kid Calm & Focus Kit — Free Printables for Kids with Anxiety, ADHD & Learning Differences

Download this free printable starter pack — a feelings chart, routine checklist, and 12 calm-down cards — designed for kids with anxiety, ADHD, and cognitive delays. Print, cut, and use at home or school.

free printable resource library for calm and focused kids with anxiety, ADHD and learning differences, blog post featured image for onetopknotmama.com

Kid Calm & Focus Kit: Free Printables to Help Kids Name Feelings, Build Routines, and Calm Down Fast

If you’re a mom who’s tried deep breathing while your kid screams about lost socks (same), you’re in the right place. I designed this starter printable pack to be simple, kid-friendly, and actually usable on hectic mornings and meltdown afternoons. These tools are for moms of children with anxiety, ADHD, and cognitive functioning delays — quick, calm strategies that don’t require a master’s degree in behavioral science.

Use this post to learn what’s included, how to use each printable with your child, and how to print the files so they look great even on a basic home printer.

  • What’s in the Kit (quick list)
  • How to use each printable (step-by-step)
    • How I Feel Today — Quick check-ins that actually work
    • Daily Routine Checklist — Cut down chaos, one checkbox at a time
    • Calm Down Cards — Pocket-sized strategies for when feelings explode
  • Printing & Assembly Notes
  • Quick Note for Teachers & Therapists
  • Printable Customization Tips (for families who want small edits at home)
  • Quick FAQ
  • Final Thoughts

What’s in the Kit (quick list)

  • How I Feel Today chart — 1 page (big faces, easy words)
  • Daily Routine Checklist — 1 page (morning + after school)
  • Calm Down Cards — 1 page with 12 cut-out cards
  • Resource Library Cover — 1 branded cover page (for easy sharing)

⬇ Download it Below ⬇


How to use each printable (step-by-step)

How I Feel Today — Quick check-ins that actually work

Place this chart on the fridge, bathroom mirror, or inside a binder. Each morning (or after school) have your kid point to a face and say one sentence about why they picked it. For younger kids, let stickers do the talking — sticker on their feeling equals quick data for you.

Mom tip: Keep follow-up prompts short: “What made you feel that?” or “How can I help?” One question only. No interrogation.


Daily Routine Checklist — Cut down chaos, one checkbox at a time

Put this where your kid can actually see it — on the door, on their dresser, or tacked near the breakfast area. Use stickers, a pencil, or a dry-erase sleeve so they can check off steps and feel accomplished.

Pro tip: Choose one small reward (sticker, 5 extra minutes of screen time, dessert choice) for completing the checklist consistently for a week.


Calm Down Cards — Pocket-sized strategies for when feelings explode

Print, cut, and punch a hole in the corner to put on a keyring — or keep the cards in a pouch in the calm-down spot. Teach your child how to use one or two of the cards (start with breathing and a sensory activity) before big feelings happen, so they know the steps when it counts.

Quick coach cue: Model the first card with your kiddo. Practice one strategy a day until it feels normal.


Printing & Assembly Notes

  • PDF files are formatted for US Letter (8.5″ x 11″).
  • For the calm-down cards, print on heavier paper or cardstock if possible. Double-sided printing is optional but not necessary.
  • If you want laminated durability, many office stores will laminate a sheet for a small fee.
  • For reusable charts, laminate or place a printed page into a dry-erase sleeve so they can check off steps with stickers or dry erase markers!

Quick Note for Teachers & Therapists

Teacher/School Use Note:
These printables were created for classroom and home use to help students name feelings, follow a routine, and practice quick calming strategies. Please use them as a flexible tool — pair with visuals, offer stickers for completed steps, and practice strategies together. These resources are for personal/classroom use only (not for resale).

⬇ Download it Below ⬇


Printable Customization Tips (for families who want small edits at home)

  • Add your child’s name: Print a small label and glue it at the top, or write with a nice pen in the “This belongs to…” space.
  • Laminating: Use a dry-erase marker on laminated charts so the checklist becomes reusable.
  • Stickers & Rewards: Use small star stickers for each completed checklist — kids love the visual win.
  • Card durability: Print calm-down cards on cardstock or glue two sheets together for sturdiness.

Quick FAQ

Q: Can I share these with my child’s teacher?
A: Yes! Share as long as it’s for personal or classroom use only. Please do not redistribute or sell.

Q: Can I edit the files to add my child’s name?
A: The downloads for this launch are PDF printables only. If you’d like editable Canva templates, reply to this post and I’ll add editable links in the resource library.

Q: Are these evidence-based tools?
A: These are practical, parent-tested tools designed to help with communication and routine. They’re not a substitute for professional therapy — but they’re great everyday supports.

Q: Can I use these with my child’s therapist?
A: Yes — therapists often use printable tools alongside therapy. These are meant to support daily practice, not replace professional treatment.

Q: Can I translate or reprint these for a classroom?
A: You may print for classroom use, but please do not upload or redistribute the original files. If you need translated versions, contact me and I’ll try to help.


Final Thoughts

This kit was made to be useful, not perfect. Use it as a bridge — a small, practical way to help kids name emotions, learn small routines, and practice calming strategies. If these work for your family, I’d love to hear which card or chart becomes your go-to.

Want more freebies like this? Sign up for my newsletter for monthly printables, sanity-saving tips, and tiny celebrations for parenting wins — because coffee can only do so much.


Related Posts:

  • How Coloring as Self Care Can Help You Feel Better about Your Mental Health
  • Break Your Bad Habit in 7 Days For Good (Without Losing Your Mind): Free Printable
  • How to Help Your Child Succeed at State Testing: Positive Affirmations
  • How to Prepare Your Anxious Son for Middle School
  • 9 Helpful Tips to Help Your Anxious Child Conquer the New School Year

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Posted In: Family, Health, Kids, Lifestyle, Mental Health, Motherhood, Printables, School Days, Self Care · Tagged: adhd, anxiety, calm down cards printable, cognitive functioning delay, free feelings chart for kids, free printables, free printables for parents, how to help your child cope with anxiety, kids emotional regulation printables, kids with adhd, kids with anxiety, kids with cognitive functioning delay, kids with learning differences, kids with learning disabilities, learning differences, parenting printables, parenting tools for anxious kids, primary: free printables for kids anxiety ADHD, printable behavior charts ADHD, printable coping cards for children, printables, resources for kids with learning differences, routine checklist for kids printable, self care for kids

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Meet Jackie

Hello! I'm a wife, mom of 2 boys, coffee and wine lover who lives in the Nashville, TN area. After growing up in Chicago and moving to St. Louis for 6 years, we decided that Music City was our new home! I have a neurological illness, called CIDP, that has turned my life upside down, and I have created this blog to have a little spot on the internet to share with you my life as a busy mama who loves to shop, eat, drink & be merry! So grab a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, and enjoy your time with me here at One Top Knot Mama. Cheers, friend!

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