Creating a Personalised Mental Health Emergency Care Kit

Why every child needs one....

In a world where children and teens are increasingly exposed to stress, anxiety, and emotional upheaval, having tools on hand to help them through tough moments is more important than ever. Just like we prepare for physical injuries with a first-aid kit, we can prepare for emotional challenges with a mental health emergency care kit—a personalised toolbox to support a child during moments of distress or dysregulation.

Whether it’s a panic attack, an overwhelming day at school, a social fallout, or sensory overload, a mental health care kit can help children and young people regain control, find comfort, and start to feel safe again.

What Is a Mental Health Emergency Care Kit?

A mental health emergency care kit is a personalised collection of items and strategies designed to provide emotional support and sensory regulation during mental health crises or high-stress situations. It can be a physical box, a pouch, or even a digital toolkit. The key is personalisation—it should reflect your child’s unique needs, preferences, and coping mechanisms.

Why Personalisation Matters

Mental health support is not one-size-fits-all. What soothes one child may irritate another. Personalisation ensures that the items and tools in the kit are truly helpful for the individual child.

When children help create their own kits, it also builds emotional literacy and self-awareness—two essential skills for lifelong mental wellness.

How to Build a Personalised Mental Health Emergency Kit:

Here’s some practical tips to help you create an effective, supportive kit:

Choose the Right Container

Pick something your child can easily carry or access:

• A decorated shoebox or plastic storage box

• A fabric pouch or pencil case

• A small backpack or drawstring bag

• For older kids: a digital version on their phone (e.g. notes app, playlists, photo albums)

  
  

Include Calming Sensory Items

These help children ground themselves through touch, smell, sight, or sound. Examples include:

• Fidget toys (like stress balls, putty, tangles)

• Weighted lap pad or bean bag

• Scented stickers or essential oil roller (lavender, peppermint)

• Noise-cancelling headphones or soft earplugs

• Textured fabric (velvet, satin, sequins)

  
  

Add Soothing Audio-Visual Aids

These may include:

• A playlist of calming music or favourite songs

• Guided meditation or breathing exercises (QR codes or links to useful apps like Smiling Mind or Calm)

• A short video or animation that makes them laugh or feel comforted

• Photos of loved ones, pets, or happy memories

  
  

Prepare Comforting Words:

• Affirmation cards: “I am safe,” “This will pass,” “I am loved”

• A letter from a parent, carer, or friend with reassuring messages

• A mini journal with prompts like “Things that make me smile” or “What helped me last time?”

  
  

Include Distraction Tools

Sometimes the best immediate support is a gentle redirection. For instance:

• Puzzle book, colouring pages, or a sketch pad

• Sudoku, word search, or simple card games

• A small novel or comic book

• Printable coping skills wheel (available online, for eg: https://www.universalcoachinstitute.com/coping-wheel/)

  
  

Add Regulating Tools

These can help with emotional self-regulation and breathing, and are often items you can easily get a hold of or have already in the home:

• Bubbles (for deep, slow breathing practice)

• Pinwheel or straw (to encourage controlled exhalation)

• Laminated breathing technique cards (like square breathing or five-finger breathing)

• Mini yoga or stretch cards

  
  

Practical Emergency Info:

• Contact cards with trusted adult phone numbers

• A laminated card with steps to take during a meltdown or panic attack

• A mini schedule or visual cue card (especially for neurodivergent children)

  
  

Bonus Tips for Parents & Caregivers:

• Involve your child in building the kit: it gives them a sense of ownership and confidence.

• Rotate items regularly to keep the kit fresh and effective.

• Model its use—don’t wait for a big crisis to introduce the kit. Practice using it during small moments of frustration or anxiety.

• Keep duplicates: one at school, one at home, and one in the car if needed.

• Talk to your child’s school about having access to their kit when needed, especially during unstructured times like recess or transitions.

  
  

Who Can Benefit?

Every child can benefit from a mental health emergency kit, but they’re especially useful for:

• Children with anxiety, ADHD, or autism

• Kids with trauma histories

• Teens navigating big transitions

• Children in care or experiencing family instability

• Any child who struggles to express or regulate big emotions

  
  

Final Thoughts

Children don’t always have the words to express what they’re feeling—but a well-crafted mental health emergency kit can help bridge that gap. It’s a small step with a big impact, empowering young people to manage their emotions, build resilience, and know they have tools (and people) they can count on.

Creating one is an act of love—and a powerful message: "You’re not alone. We’re prepared. And you’ve got this."

Be well,

Paula

Dr  Paula Robertson is a busy mom and a paediatrician with over twenty years' experience working with young people and their families. She is also a certified children's mindfulness teacher and Positive Discipline Parenting

coach. You can find out more at www.paulathedoctormom.com.

Our AI wellness assistant has contributed to the writing of this article