“STOP Before the Storm”
Helping your child pause before emotions take over.
If you’ve ever said “Just calm down!” and watched it do… well, the opposite, you’re not alone.
Most kids don’t come wired with pause-and-plan skills. And when emotions rise quickly — anger, frustration, sadness — they often act before they think. That’s where this week’s skill comes in: teaching your child how to STOP.
In Thera-Scholars, we’re using Dash’s STOP card — a kid-friendly version of a mindfulness tool that helps children take a beat, even when emotions feel big and fast.
So what is the STOP skill?
It’s a simple four-step strategy that builds in a moment of choice before action:
- S = Stop what you’re doing
- T = Take a breath
- O = Observe what’s going on (inside and out)
- P = Proceed in a helpful way
This is a skill your child will practise again and again — before things get heated — so they can use it when it matters most.
Why pausing is hard — and why we teach it early
Imagine your child’s brain like a fast-moving car. Emotions press the accelerator. STOP teaches them where the brakes are — and how to press them safely.
But just like learning to drive, it takes practice. That’s why we focus on building the habit now, when the stakes are smaller and support is close at hand.
How can you help at home?
You don’t need to “drill” the steps — playful, curious practice is best! Try:
- Acting out scenes with toys where Dash forgets to STOP — and then tries again
- Making a poster together of “things I can do instead” after I STOP
- Using the STOP card as a check-in during calm moments, not just tough ones
- Modelling it yourself: “I’m feeling frustrated. I’m going to stop and take a breath first.”
Remember: every time your child pauses instead of exploding, they’re building a powerful self-regulation muscle. 🧠💪
Coming up this week:
🛑 Tuesday Tool: Dash’s STOP Card — perfect for fridges, school bags, or calm corners
📝 Friday Reflection: Three simple questions to help your child explore what worked and what to try next time
📣 Want to see how other families are using the STOP tool? Join us in the private Thera-Scholars carers group for weekly downloads, shared stories, and gentle coaching.
🔗 Autism Thera-Scholars Carers Community
📧 info@succeedhealthcare.com.au
🌐 www.succeedhealthcare.com.au