Scales kids can POINT to
When words are hard, pointing isn't. Print these. Hang them on the wall. Your child can show you what's happening before it turns into a meltdown.
How to use a scale
- Step 1. Print the chart and hang it where your child can reach.
- Step 2. Practice when things are CALM — not in the middle of a meltdown.
- Step 3. Ask the question on the chart. Let them POINT, not talk.
- Step 4. Match the number to a plan. Example: "Feelings at a 3 = quiet corner for 5 minutes."
- Step 5. Use it 3 times a day for 2 weeks. It becomes automatic.
Hunger Scale
Helps kids notice 'full' instead of eating on autopilot. Goal: stop around a 3.
Hunger Scale
"Where's your tummy right now?"
"Where's your tummy right now?"
How to use this chart
Hang it where your child can reach. Ask the question. Let them POINT to a number. Then together, pick what to do next.
From Bright Steps — behaviorgps.org
Feelings Thermometer
Catch the warm-up before a meltdown. Take a break at a 3.
Feelings Thermometer
"How big are your feelings?"
"How big are your feelings?"
How to use this chart
Hang it where your child can reach. Ask the question. Let them POINT to a number. Then together, pick what to do next.
From Bright Steps — behaviorgps.org
Energy Scale
For ADHD, sensory seekers, and bedtime. Match the activity to the number.
Energy Scale
"How is your body feeling?"
"How is your body feeling?"
How to use this chart
Hang it where your child can reach. Ask the question. Let them POINT to a number. Then together, pick what to do next.
From Bright Steps — behaviorgps.org
Pain Scale
Huge for kids who can't say where pain is. Point to a face.
Pain Scale
"Show me how much it hurts."
"Show me how much it hurts."
How to use this chart
Hang it where your child can reach. Ask the question. Let them POINT to a number. Then together, pick what to do next.
From Bright Steps — behaviorgps.org
Sensory Scale
Tells you if your child needs quiet OR needs to move.
Sensory Scale
"What does your body need?"
"What does your body need?"
How to use this chart
Hang it where your child can reach. Ask the question. Let them POINT to a number. Then together, pick what to do next.
From Bright Steps — behaviorgps.org
Sleep Readiness Scale
Builds bedtime body awareness. Start the routine at a 3.
Sleep Readiness Scale
"How sleepy is your body?"
"How sleepy is your body?"
How to use this chart
Hang it where your child can reach. Ask the question. Let them POINT to a number. Then together, pick what to do next.
From Bright Steps — behaviorgps.org
Focus Scale
Great for homework. If it's a 1 or 2, take a brain break first.
Focus Scale
"How is your brain right now?"
"How is your brain right now?"
How to use this chart
Hang it where your child can reach. Ask the question. Let them POINT to a number. Then together, pick what to do next.
From Bright Steps — behaviorgps.org
Worry Scale
Names anxiety so it's not a scary mystery feeling.
Worry Scale
"How big is the worry?"
"How big is the worry?"
How to use this chart
Hang it where your child can reach. Ask the question. Let them POINT to a number. Then together, pick what to do next.
From Bright Steps — behaviorgps.org
Parent Patience Tank
For you. Check before you react. At a 4, walk away first.
Parent Patience Tank
"Where's MY tank right now?"
"Where's MY tank right now?"
How to use this chart
Hang it where your child can reach. Ask the question. Let them POINT to a number. Then together, pick what to do next.
From Bright Steps — behaviorgps.org
Bright Steps provides parent support and educational planning tools only and does not replace professional medical or therapy advice.