Stress balls can be a very effective tool for calming down when overwhelmed with emotions.  I think it helps for a few reasons… One reason is that it’s an activity to distract you from triggers and negative thoughts.  Another is that it involves muscle tensing and relaxing (while you squeeze the stress ball).  And a third reason is that it might be a little cathartic… squeezing something with a lot of force.

You can find stress “balls” in all shapes, colors, and sizes.  I even have one shaped and designed like a zebra… though my 1-year-old is currently using that with her Noah’s Ark Little People set.  A quick Amazon search for “stress ball” will bring up stress balls shaped like cats, emoji stress balls, and even one shaped like a breast (I don’t recommend buying that one for your kiddo).

In lieu of buying one online, you can easily make your own – or turn it into a family activity.  All you’ll need is a balloon, either rice or flour, and some sort of funnel to get the rice or flour into the balloon.  Then just follow these easy steps:

• Stretch out the balloon a bit.
• Use the funnel to get the rice/flour into the balloon.
• Squeeze the air out of the balloon.
• Tie off the balloon.
• Cut off any excess rubber at the end (if necessary/desired).

This way, your kiddo can choose what color they want and could even possibly draw on the balloon with permanent marker to make it unique!

Keep in mind, as with any calming strategy, that children may need LOTS of reminders and practice to use calming strategies when they get upset.  So practice, practice, practice!  And don’t be afraid to offer a simple reminder like, “I can see you’re upset.  Why don’t you use your stress ball for a few minutes.”