The Behaviour Support First Aid Kit: What To Include And How To Use It
Because every young person needs support for big feelings.
When children and young people become overwhelmed, anxious, angry, or shut down, they're often told to “calm down”, but rarely taught how.
That’s where the Behaviour Support First Aid Kit comes in.
Whether you're a parent, carer, support worker, or teacher, having a personalised, regulation-friendly toolkit can make all the difference in helping children feel safe, stay connected, and build their regulation skills over time.
What is a Behaviour Support First Aid Kit?
Think of it like a personalised emotional first aid. It’s a portable collection of tools, supports, and comforts designed to help young people regulate when they’re starting to escalate, feel dysregulated, or shut down.
Instead of reacting with punishment or frustration, we offer tools to support the nervous system, validate the emotion, and build long-term coping skills.
Why it works
When children and young people are dysregulated, their brains shift from a learning state to a survival state. This can look like:
Running away
Shouting or hitting
Zoning out or withdrawing
Crying or becoming overwhelmed by “small” demands
In these moments, they don’t need lectures. They need support.
A Behaviour Support First Aid Kit helps to:
Soothe the nervous system
Offer sensory and emotional relief
Prevent escalation
Teach self-regulation over time
What to include in your kit
There’s no one-size-fits-all, but here’s a list of helpful, flexible items to consider:
1. Sensory tools
Fidget toys
Stress ball or squishy
Kinetic sand or putty
Chewy jewellery
Noise-cancelling headphones
Weighted lap buddy
Aromatherapy roller or scented stickers (if regulating)
Whatever helps their individual sensory needs
2. Comfort items
A soft toy or plush
Photo of family or pet
A familiar item from home or a safe person
Favourite book or drawing pad
3. Visual supports
Feelings chart
“What can I do when I feel ___?” visual
Calm-down steps (e.g., 1. Breathe, 2. Use my tool, 3. Take a break)
“I need…” communication cards or a choice board
4. Movement options (or prompts for movement breaks)
A card that says: “Let’s go for a walk”
Mini yoga/stretch routine
A break card
Ball to bounce, beanbags to toss, or a safe path to pace
5. Snacks and hydration
Yes, these belong here! Regulating the physiological body can have a dramatic impact.
Include:
Crunchy or chewy snacks (e.g., popcorn, pretzels, muesli bar, fruit straps – always tailored to your child’s dietary needs)
A small bottle of water or a juice box
A visual reminder card: “Have a sip, take a bite”
Snacks offer both sensory regulation and physiological support, and can be incredibly calming for kids coming down from big emotions.
How to introduce and use the kit
Co-create it with the young person. Let them help decorate it, choose items, and name it. This builds ownership and buy-in.
Practice during calm times. Introduce it when everyone is regulated, not in the middle of a meltdown.
Use modelling. “I’m feeling a bit off, I’m going to grab my drink and take a breath.”
Make it portable. Use a clear box, zip pouch, or backpack that travels between home, school, respite, or outings.
What not to do
Don’t present it as a punishment or consequence
Don’t force them to use it
Don’t remove favourite items as a consequence
This kit is about support and safety, not control or compliance.
Final thoughts
A Behaviour Support First Aid Kit isn’t about “fixing” behaviour, it’s about honouring it. It gives children tools, choice, and comfort in the moments when they need it most.
Over time, it helps build the foundation for self-awareness, regulation, and resilience.
Because emotional safety isn’t a reward, it’s a right.
Rosie 🌹