One of the more common calming strategies discussed in therapy is counting.  The idea behind many counting strategies is that the brain cannot think about two things at one time.  So if someone is thinking about counting, they cannot be thinking about how angry they are.  It disrupts the thought process, which can make it a lot easier to calm down.

Since the same calming strategies don’t work for everyone, it can be beneficial to try out different strategies to see what works for your child (or you!).  Here are 5 different counting strategies to try:

1. Regular counting – this is what most people think of when they think of “counting.”  You start with 1 and count up to a specific number.  For younger kiddos, counting to ten might be challenging enough to do the trick, but older kiddos may need to count to a higher number to sufficiently distract themselves and calm down.
2. Counting backward – start with a specific number and count down to 1 (or 0).  This can require a little more effort and concentration than regular counting.
3. Counting objects – this combines counting with making lists.  Pick something to list/name as you count.  I’ve had kiddos count and name dinosaur types after each number.  I’ve also had kiddos count Disney princesses, pizza toppings, and types of trains.  This would sound like, “one Cinderella, two Sleeping Beauty, three Snow White, 4 Tiana, etc.).
4. Counting by a number (3s, 4s, 8s, etc.) – count by multiples of a certain number as high as you can.
5. Counting in a second language – if your kiddo knows another language, you could have them count in another language.

These are all great counting strategies for kids to know and try.  The more “tools” a child has to calm down, the better!