Use visual emotion thermometers to help your child track intensity. Draw a vertical scale from 1 (blue, calm) to 5 (red, erupting). When you see them climbing, point and name it: “You look like a 3 right now.” Say, “Let’s practice a strategy for a 3 – three big squeezes of your stress ball.” Celebrate success: “You brought yourself back down to a 2. Well done!” Regularly review this tool during neutral times, so it becomes second nature. Over time, your child learns to self-monitor and select coping strategies before aggression erupts.
