Calm and Connect Tips
Vroom
October 27, 2026
This busy season can bring about big emotions—for both young kids and grownups! But no need to be scared. These Vroom Tips to Calm and Connect support regulation skills before, during, and after the feelings hit.
Vroom Tips
Just You and Me
Suggested Age: 0-6 months
During a quiet moment, sit or lay down near your child face-to-face and be silent for a few seconds. Watch them. Do they look at you? If they make sounds or smile, make sounds or smile back. There is so much you can say to each other with no words at all!
Eye Gazing
Suggested Age: 0-12 months
Take a few minutes and look into your child’s eyes. As they look back, smile and talk with them. Do what they do. If they blink, you blink. If they look left, you look left. Let them see your eyes too, and have fun keeping eye contact.
Go Baby Go!
Suggested Age: 6-18 months
When your child begins to crawl, pull up, and eventually walk, celebrate their efforts with positive actions and words. Say things like: “You did it!,” You used your hands to reach your toy!” or “You’re working so hard to move your body!” Make sure to clap and smile!
Song Traditions
Suggested Age: 0-2 years
When your child begins to crawl, pull up, and eventually walk, celebrate their e orts with positive actions and words. Say things like: “You did it!,” You used your hands to reach your toy!” or “You’re working so hard to move your body!” Make sure to clap and smile!
Peekaboo Many Ways!
Suggested Age: 6 months - 2 years
How many ways can you play “Peekaboo”? You can hide your eyes behind your hand, or use a hat, a napkin, or whatever is handy and then say “Peekaboo!” Help your child take a turn. What can they hide behind? Saying “I see you!” when one of you stops hiding should make you both laugh.
Change-up Challenge
Suggested Age: 12 months - 3 years
Is it hard for your child to change gears? Moving from one task to another can be a challenge. Work together to come up with a special routine. For example, each time you move from reading-time to another task, you can give each other a kiss, a hug, and a high five. Before you know it, they will be starting the change-up routine!
Today’s Feelings
Suggested Age: 3-5 years
Ask your child to talk about their day using feeling words like happy, excited, and sad. Try questions like, “Was there a time when you felt frustrated today?” Ask them to make faces that express these feelings. Share your day as well.
Practice Positivity
Suggested Age: 4-5 years
Practice saying things in new ways with your child. Take turns saying something negative, then try to talk about the same thing positively. For example, “I don’t like loud noises” can become “I like quiet sounds.”