Let It Settle

A great visual tool to show the imbalance of a brain that is experiencing anger or rage, and how it is possible for the anger and rage to subside, thus gaining control of our reactions. Get a clear glass bottle or jar, add water, glycerin, and glitter with a lot of sparkle (recipes and videos are online). Shake the jar vigorously to explain to children that their anger (and brain) looks and feels like the glitter dispersed all throughout the jar. Then, also explain to them that their calm and controlled self looks and feels like the glitter slowly settling to the bottom of the jar. The time it takes for the glitter to settle can serve as cool-down time to reflect. Young people can even make their own jars and have them at their desks/spaces as gentle reminders. (See also: Mindful Breathing)