May Newsletter
Spring into Self-Control: Helping Kids Stay Calm and Focused!

May: Strengthening Self-Control for Success

As we move into the final stretch of the school year, May is a great time to reinforce self-control skills that help children navigate transitions, social interactions, and new challenges. Whether they're preparing for summer break, finishing projects, or managing big emotions, self-control is a powerful tool for success.

 

Inside you'll find strategies, activities, and book recommendations to help children practice patience, focus, and emotional regulation.

 

Helping Children Strengthen Their Self-Control Skills!

• Self-control helps children regulate their emotions, make thoughtful choices, and handle frustration. It's an essential skill that supports learning, friendships, and everyday life. Here are a few simple strategies to encourage children to practice self-control:

  • Pause Before Reacting: Teach children to take a deep breath before responding when they feel upset or excited.

  • Practice Delayed Gratification: Play games like "Freeze Dance" or "Red Light, Green Light" to help children strengthen impulse control.

  • Use a Visual Reminder: Create a simple "Stop & Think" sign to help children pause before making decisions.

  • Teach Self-Talk Strategies: Encourage positive self-talk like "I can handle this" or "I will stay calm and try again."​

    • Tips for Parents/Educators: Praise moments when children use self-control. Reinforce their effort with specific feedback like, "I saw you take a deep breath before answering--that was great self-control!".

Activity of the Month: Stop, Think, and Act" Game

• What You’ll Need: 

  • Index Cards

  • Markers

  • A Timer

    • Instructions:

      • Write different situations on index cards (e.g., "You really want a turn, but your friend is using the toy," or "Someone says something that makes you mad").

      • Have a child pick a card and act out what they might do without self-control.

      • Then, have them Stop, Think, and Act out a new way to handle the situation using self-control.

      • Discuss why self-control helps and how it makes situations easier to manage.

        • Play this game as a family or in the classroom to reinforce decision-making and emotional regulation.​

Featured Book of the Month: S is for Self-Control - Coming Soon

Spotlight on the book S is for Self-Control from the Calm Reflections Books collection

• This month, dive into S is for Self-Control, where kids will follow TJ and Desi as they learn how to manage their impulses, take deep breaths, and make thoughtful choices in everyday situations. Through relatable scenarios and fun exercises, children discover how to build their self-control skills step by step.

• Reader Tip: After reading, practice the Stop, Think, Act strategy together to reinforce self-control skills in real-life moments.

• Link: Book Coming In December, 2025!

 

Quick Tip for Families and Educators:

The 5-Second Rule for Self-Control​

When children feel frustrated or tempted to act impulsively, encourage them to count to five before reacting. This simple pause allows their brain to process the situation and choose a better response.​

 

Success Story Spotlight:

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​Closing Message:

Thank you for being part of the Calm Reflections Books community! As we wrap up the school year and prepare for summer, let's continue reinforcing self-control strategies that help children feel confident, calm, and in control of their emotions.

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Wishing you a wonderful May filled with growth, patience, and success!