Bonus tools
Emotional Backpack Visual
Help kids externalize emotional load.
What it is
A printable backpack outline kids can fill in with the feelings, worries, or events they're hauling around. It externalises the emotional load and gives you an opening into what's underneath the behaviour.
When to use it
After hard days, big transitions, or behaviour that seems out of proportion to what just happened. Also great as a weekly Sunday check-in.
How to use it
- Sit beside your child — not across from them.
- Show them the backpack and explain what it's for.
- Let them draw or write what's inside, in any order.
- Ask gentle, curious questions; don't fix.
- Decide together which item to take out first.
Make "Emotional Backpack Visual" part of your toolkit
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