When to use it
Make calming options familiar before anyone is overwhelmed.
Complete together
- I notice
- Body signs that tell me I am getting overwhelmed
- I can try
- Two safe actions that genuinely help me settle
- Please do
- How others can help without crowding or lecturing
- We reconnect
- When and how we return to the issue
Practise
- Choose options while calm.
- Rehearse a pause phrase such as ‘I need ten minutes; I will come back.’
- After trying it, adjust what did not help.
Important
A pause is not permission to threaten, damage property or avoid repair. Immediate safety needs adult action.