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Raising Mentally Strong Kids
At Calm Kids believe that building healthy mental habits early on is essential for happy, productive adults. For too long the approach to mental health has been reactive - waiting for signs of anxiety, stress and depression to appear in young teenagers etc. and then creating programs and tools to handle them.
With Calm Kids, we use tools like storytelling and play to lay the foundation for healthy mental habits early on. We believe that when it comes to the future of the world - this is the next frontier.
Self Management
This is the ability to regulate one’s feelings, thoughts, and behaviors to achieve a particular goal. It includes the ability to manage stress, delay gratification and more.
Responsible decision making
The ability to make choices about personal behavior keeping mind the consequences on yourself and society at large.
Self Awareness
The ability to understand your own emotions, thoughts, and values and how they influence behaviors in different contexts, such as home or school.
Social Awareness
The ability to understand and empathize with others, particularly with people from different backgrounds than one's own
Relationship skills
The ability to effectively collaborate with others, listen actively, communicate clearly, negotiate conflict among other things
Imagination Station
A unique storytelling experience that enables little ones to learn social emotional skills through exclusively curated book lists and animated and interactive storytelling.
Stories are a powerful way to introduce complicated concepts to toddlers and young ones. Through our curated book lists, we start important conversations and back them with hands-on fun activities and games.
Big Little Emotions Podcast
Episode #6: How to build a higher EQ in young children through SEL ft Aanchal Bhutani
Aanchal Bhutani
In the world of kids, everything is everything.
A mat = tent
A parking lot = enchanted forest
A dining table = luxury hotel
A remote = instant parent freeze 😄
When we say yes to their imagination, we’re saying yes to connection, co-regulation, and pure play.
Try speaking “kid speak” today —
It’s good for their hearts… and honestly, great therapy for ours. #calmkids #parentingtips #parenting #mentalwellness #mindfulparenting
A mat = tent
A parking lot = enchanted forest
A dining table = luxury hotel
A remote = instant parent freeze 😄
When we say yes to their imagination, we’re saying yes to connection, co-regulation, and pure play.
Try speaking “kid speak” today —
It’s good for their hearts… and honestly, great therapy for ours. #calmkids #parentingtips #parenting #mentalwellness #mindfulparenting
Watching my 2-year-old and 4-year-old on their little outdoor obstacle course has been my favourite reminder that play is powerful.
Throwing balls, balancing, walking straight lines, jumping over “big mountains,” running faster and stronger… it all looks like fun (and it is!) — but it’s also building real skills.
✨ Gross motor strength
✨ Focus & coordination
✨ Problem-solving
✨ Confidence (“I can do it!” and then… they actually do 🤍)
This is the heart of Calm Kids — everyday play that strengthens their bodies and their social-emotional muscles.
When kids practice moving bravely, trying again, and cheering for themselves… that’s SEL in action. #calmkids #toddlerlife #twoundertwo Check out @spectrafit.kids
Throwing balls, balancing, walking straight lines, jumping over “big mountains,” running faster and stronger… it all looks like fun (and it is!) — but it’s also building real skills.
✨ Gross motor strength
✨ Focus & coordination
✨ Problem-solving
✨ Confidence (“I can do it!” and then… they actually do 🤍)
This is the heart of Calm Kids — everyday play that strengthens their bodies and their social-emotional muscles.
When kids practice moving bravely, trying again, and cheering for themselves… that’s SEL in action. #calmkids #toddlerlife #twoundertwo Check out @spectrafit.kids
Motherhood is a rollercoaster 🎢 This is your reminder to be kind to yourself and journey. Look how far you’ve come! No roadmap. No guidebook. Just sheer love, persistence and will. You are power. ❤️
#parenting #affirmations #calmkids #twoundertwo #parentingsupport #gentleparenting
Grandparents are a treasure trove of stories - something children love! If you’re a parent reading this, share it with your parents so that your child can bond in new and exciting ways with their faves and they can go on anew adventures together! Thanks @naturesnest_thepettingfarm for a memorable day! #grandparents #toddlerfun #parenting #calmkids #twoundertwo
Starting today - sharing a few affirmations to ensure that I parent more intentionally through the day. #calmkids #parentaffirmations #affirmations
Want to encourage a feeling of gratitude in your children (and yourself)? Here’s a quick tip to get them started early. Makes for great conversation starters too! Share it with a parent who would love this. #calmkids #gratitude #thankful #blessings #emotionalregulation #socialemotionallearning #teachinglife #parenting
I gave up on the idea of perfect parenting a while ago. ✨
Because honestly, there’s no such thing.
But there is something called show-up parenting. And that’s way more powerful than “doing-it-right” parenting. 💛
The day I embraced this, I felt lighter. My focus shifted from getting it right to actually enjoying the ride.
Like the other day, we made crafts together. Were they Instagram-worthy? Nope. 😂 They were clumsily glued, stuck-unstuck-stuck again, and looked nothing like the Pinterest version.
But here’s what they did have:
🤝 Collaboration
💡 Creative problem-solving
💬 Conversations that matter
And honestly? That felt so much more rewarding than the end product.
Here’s a peek at our perfectly imperfect art — just like motherhood, and just like life. 🌈
#calmkids #parenting #connectionovercorrection #progressoverperfection💯
Because honestly, there’s no such thing.
But there is something called show-up parenting. And that’s way more powerful than “doing-it-right” parenting. 💛
The day I embraced this, I felt lighter. My focus shifted from getting it right to actually enjoying the ride.
Like the other day, we made crafts together. Were they Instagram-worthy? Nope. 😂 They were clumsily glued, stuck-unstuck-stuck again, and looked nothing like the Pinterest version.
But here’s what they did have:
🤝 Collaboration
💡 Creative problem-solving
💬 Conversations that matter
And honestly? That felt so much more rewarding than the end product.
Here’s a peek at our perfectly imperfect art — just like motherhood, and just like life. 🌈
#calmkids #parenting #connectionovercorrection #progressoverperfection💯
A month ago, my son turned 4.
Most kids are excited about cutting a cake on their special day. Not my son. He told me in so many words that he didn’t want to do it. He didn’t like all the eyes on him, didn’t want to blow the candle, and even though we practised holding my hand tightly when the moment came, or hiding behind me for comfort, a big meltdown happened ... and that’s okay, I told myself, and him.
But I have to admit, I felt two things at once:
💔 A pang of worry — is my child too anxious? Is this a problem?
💡 And a reminder — social anxiety in kids is very real.
It’s not about shyness alone. It’s about how overwhelming being seen can feel for a little child. And as a parent, it sometimes hurts. I’ve found myself wondering if I should be doing more, or differently.
Like so many parents, I turn to everything I can — storybooks, songs, articles, podcasts, even ChatGPT 🙈 — searching for ways to give my child the tools I wish I had at his age.
One idea that I’m working on is creating a “Calm Corner”, a small, safe space where my boys can pause, breathe, and settle their big feelings.
The Calm Corner includes:
🪷 A Calm Menu with choices like hugging a stuffed toy, flipping through a favorite book, or doing a breathing exercise.
🌸 A set of Calm Flashcards with easy, playful breathing techniques — smelling a flower, blowing up a belly balloon, even roaring like a lion.
These aren’t magic fixes, but I’m hoping they give my son (and me) a shared language to navigate those “too much” moments. And slowly, I see him reaching for these tools on his own.
Parenting through social anxiety isn’t easy.
It brings up my own worries, my own need for control. But I’m hoping that creating these resources for him (and sharing them through Calm Kids) will also be healing for me.
If you’ve ever felt that tug in your heart watching your child struggle in social situations — you’re not alone. 💛
👉 Would you like me to share a printable version of the Calm Flashcards so you can try a calm corner at home? Drop me a DM.#calmkids #parentingtips #mentalwellness #parenting #mindfulparenting #biglittleemotions #kidsmentalhealth #positiveparenting
Most kids are excited about cutting a cake on their special day. Not my son. He told me in so many words that he didn’t want to do it. He didn’t like all the eyes on him, didn’t want to blow the candle, and even though we practised holding my hand tightly when the moment came, or hiding behind me for comfort, a big meltdown happened ... and that’s okay, I told myself, and him.
But I have to admit, I felt two things at once:
💔 A pang of worry — is my child too anxious? Is this a problem?
💡 And a reminder — social anxiety in kids is very real.
It’s not about shyness alone. It’s about how overwhelming being seen can feel for a little child. And as a parent, it sometimes hurts. I’ve found myself wondering if I should be doing more, or differently.
Like so many parents, I turn to everything I can — storybooks, songs, articles, podcasts, even ChatGPT 🙈 — searching for ways to give my child the tools I wish I had at his age.
One idea that I’m working on is creating a “Calm Corner”, a small, safe space where my boys can pause, breathe, and settle their big feelings.
The Calm Corner includes:
🪷 A Calm Menu with choices like hugging a stuffed toy, flipping through a favorite book, or doing a breathing exercise.
🌸 A set of Calm Flashcards with easy, playful breathing techniques — smelling a flower, blowing up a belly balloon, even roaring like a lion.
These aren’t magic fixes, but I’m hoping they give my son (and me) a shared language to navigate those “too much” moments. And slowly, I see him reaching for these tools on his own.
Parenting through social anxiety isn’t easy.
It brings up my own worries, my own need for control. But I’m hoping that creating these resources for him (and sharing them through Calm Kids) will also be healing for me.
If you’ve ever felt that tug in your heart watching your child struggle in social situations — you’re not alone. 💛
👉 Would you like me to share a printable version of the Calm Flashcards so you can try a calm corner at home? Drop me a DM.#calmkids #parentingtips #mentalwellness #parenting #mindfulparenting #biglittleemotions #kidsmentalhealth #positiveparenting
👩👧 Is screen time always the villain?
I used to think so. But over the past few years, I’ve realised that it’s not just how much screen time kids get — it’s what they watch and how we use it as parents.
Some shows actually make my job as a mom (and as the founder of Calm Kids.co.in) easier. They help me:
- Start tricky conversations about tantrums, frustration, and sharing.
- Prepare my toddlers for new experiences (like haircuts or dentist visits).
- Build their emotional vocabulary so they can name (and hopefully tame) their big feelings.
📺 Four shows we enjoy watching together:
Daniel Tiger’s Neighbourhood – brilliant for emotional skills and everyday challenges.
Bluey – funny and relatable family moments that spark big conversations.
Cocomelon Lane – great for introducing new experiences.
Raa Raa the Noisy Lion – simple but effective for storytelling and emotions.
The trick? Don’t just let kids watch. Watch with them. Talk with them. Reinforce with books and play.
That’s when screen time becomes story time — and a tool for connection.
#parenting #calmkids #screentime #playtime #storytelling
I used to think so. But over the past few years, I’ve realised that it’s not just how much screen time kids get — it’s what they watch and how we use it as parents.
Some shows actually make my job as a mom (and as the founder of Calm Kids.co.in) easier. They help me:
- Start tricky conversations about tantrums, frustration, and sharing.
- Prepare my toddlers for new experiences (like haircuts or dentist visits).
- Build their emotional vocabulary so they can name (and hopefully tame) their big feelings.
📺 Four shows we enjoy watching together:
Daniel Tiger’s Neighbourhood – brilliant for emotional skills and everyday challenges.
Bluey – funny and relatable family moments that spark big conversations.
Cocomelon Lane – great for introducing new experiences.
Raa Raa the Noisy Lion – simple but effective for storytelling and emotions.
The trick? Don’t just let kids watch. Watch with them. Talk with them. Reinforce with books and play.
That’s when screen time becomes story time — and a tool for connection.
#parenting #calmkids #screentime #playtime #storytelling
In today’s edition of #ImaginationStation we read How to Catch a Star and then caught one and took it home! A successful Sunday, I say!
When emotions run high, your presence and response shape how your child learns to regulate their own feelings. 💛 Instead of “calm down,” try:
🫂 “I’m here with you.” 🗣️ “I see you’re upset.” 🤝 “Let’s take a deep breath together.”
Your energy is their anchor. Stay steady, and they will too. 💕
#GentleParenting #EmotionalIntelligence #CalmParenting #SocialEmotionalLearning #MindfulParenting #RaisingEmotionallyIntelligentKids #ConsciousParenting #BigLittleEmotions
🫂 “I’m here with you.” 🗣️ “I see you’re upset.” 🤝 “Let’s take a deep breath together.”
Your energy is their anchor. Stay steady, and they will too. 💕
#GentleParenting #EmotionalIntelligence #CalmParenting #SocialEmotionalLearning #MindfulParenting #RaisingEmotionallyIntelligentKids #ConsciousParenting #BigLittleEmotions
How can you help your child build #resilience? Show them how it’s done! Watch the video and head to YouTube for the full #podcast. #parenting #calmkids #toddler #biglittleemotions
It’s one thing to go through change, but ‘growing’ through it requires a lot of conscious #parenting. Lucky you, I’ve put down a 6-step roadmap for #parents to help #toddlers navigate through #change. Head to the #calmkids website to download the resource for free! #freeresources
Want to build resilience in your child? Start early and giving them room to make decisions. Listen to this clip by Aanchal Bhutani, SEL specialist. Full #podcast out soon. #parenting #toddler #resilience #mentalhealth #calmkids
This really took the pressure off. Moms, we don’t need to be perfect! We just need to keep trying! #motherhood #parenting #toddlers #calmkids
Presenting Imagination Station! Our offline storytelling initiative - with a big difference. Check out our ‘Help me with’ series and DM or write to me at natasha@calmkids.co.in for more details
Sensory play is a great way to calm your toddler - I have used these in many occasions and seen a marked difference in my son’s mood. Here’s a list of some cheap and cheerful options on Amazon - or you can go for homemade alternatives. Please note - sensory play might be messy, but it works! Link to my Amazon wish list in bio!
There are so many perks to being a parent. Observing the world with new eyes is one big one! Today we took a minute or two and saw so many things around us. We learnt that if we make a mess, there are people always cleaning up around us, invisible workers made visible. They are brave and strong and take on everyday adventures like it’s nothing. Simple things to be thankful for each day! #jugdiaries #calmkids #toddlerparent #gratitude
Involving your toddler in your daily activity is a great way to connect with them because everything is play for your child! Just as they want you to enter into their world, they feel delighted to enter yours. So think of mini tasks whether in the kitchen, or while organising your home or even at work, where you can involve them. Those conversations while ‘working’ together are priceless. #parenting #toddler #connection #toddlerlife #calmkids
A fruitful morning interacting with some patakas and learning about change through a storytelling session accompanied by a lot of theatrics and games! Thanks @boondephonics and @experienceknook This was fun! #storytelling #parenting #toddleractivities #calmkids
The parenting journey is also one where we are constantly rediscovering ourselves and uncovering our triggers. In episode 1 of #BigLittleEmotions #podcast, Dr Chandana talks about reparenting ourselves - what an eye opening statement! Watch the full episode on YouTube or podcast channel of your choice. #parenting #toddlerparent #triggers #innerchild #calmkids
Tantrums can be embarrassing and annoying for a parents. But they’re often your toddler’s way of saying ‘something isn’t right and I don’t know how to fix it’. That’s where you, the parent or caregiver come in. Time to help them through the tantrum and equip them to deal with their big emotions.
Step 1: Don’t take it personally
Step 2: Work on establishing a connection with them instead of reprimanding them. Get down to their level, hold them or simply give them space by just being there
Step 3: Help them recognise and name the emotion they felt once they’re in a more receptive mood
Step 4: Help them resolve and understand their big emotion through stories. Tell them your own experience with a big emotion, help them fill in the blanks to what led to that big reaction etc. This helps your child stand outside and witness the feeling and develop their logical thinking
Step 5: Co-create a tool that might help them next time - deep breathing? Tugging you on the shoulder? Reaching out to a favourite toy? A stomping dance? Come up with a plan to help avoid the tantrum and create an outlet
You can do this! #toddletantrums #parenting #calmkids #mindfulparenting
Step 1: Don’t take it personally
Step 2: Work on establishing a connection with them instead of reprimanding them. Get down to their level, hold them or simply give them space by just being there
Step 3: Help them recognise and name the emotion they felt once they’re in a more receptive mood
Step 4: Help them resolve and understand their big emotion through stories. Tell them your own experience with a big emotion, help them fill in the blanks to what led to that big reaction etc. This helps your child stand outside and witness the feeling and develop their logical thinking
Step 5: Co-create a tool that might help them next time - deep breathing? Tugging you on the shoulder? Reaching out to a favourite toy? A stomping dance? Come up with a plan to help avoid the tantrum and create an outlet
You can do this! #toddletantrums #parenting #calmkids #mindfulparenting
On the plus side - at least he gives me a warning. #calmkids #mischiefmanaged #toddlerlife
It’s not just about getting your kids to read - parents need to do some reading too! Turn to these books to get some new and interesting perspectives on parenting. A little help on your parenting journey 📚 #parenting #books #reading #calmkids #bookstagram
I have a love-hate relationship with my years of schooling ...
I learnt a lot but I also unlearnt how to be my authentic self.
School tamed me. And perhaps that’s a big reason today I want to preserve the chaos and curiosity my toddlers show on a day to day basis, without school spoiling them.
I hate boxes. My biggest fear is that my boys get contained in these uniform boxes instead of being themselves in an unapologetic way.
So when I heard Chitra’s TEDx Talk, something came alive in me. So much so, that I had to pause and take this screenshot.
What a powerful question and mission statement. Not just for educators but for parents. How can the curiosity of the child survive schooling?
If there’s one thing you watch today - let this talk be it. #children #parenting #schooling #calmkids
I learnt a lot but I also unlearnt how to be my authentic self.
School tamed me. And perhaps that’s a big reason today I want to preserve the chaos and curiosity my toddlers show on a day to day basis, without school spoiling them.
I hate boxes. My biggest fear is that my boys get contained in these uniform boxes instead of being themselves in an unapologetic way.
So when I heard Chitra’s TEDx Talk, something came alive in me. So much so, that I had to pause and take this screenshot.
What a powerful question and mission statement. Not just for educators but for parents. How can the curiosity of the child survive schooling?
If there’s one thing you watch today - let this talk be it. #children #parenting #schooling #calmkids
Get moving with your toddler in the morning - one of the best ways to start your day with intentionality, get those morning tantrums out in a positive way and CONNECT with your kids first thing in the morning! We love doing our stretches together 😃😃😃 #toddlermom #calmkids #morningroutine
Storytelling is a powerful way to introduce complicated concepts. On Sunday, I joined 10 kids between the age group 3-6 and we read ‘Why do things change?’ together. The best feedback I got after the session ‘the story made me “sappy”, that’s sad and happy’ because change can feel sad and also happy! If you think your kids can’t handle emotions and express them well - think again. What an experience!!
How can we support our children's social-emotional growth beyond the classroom? Sneha Sundaram discusses the powerful connection between home and school.
Episode #3: How does context affect a child's sense of self ft. Sneha Sundaram
👉 Tap the link in our bio to watch the full podcast now! 🎧
#CalmKids #BigLittleEmotions #PodcastForParents #MentalWellness #ParentingTips #Kutuki #SocialEmotionalLearning #ChildDevelopment #EmotionalIntelligence #PositiveParenting
Episode #3: How does context affect a child's sense of self ft. Sneha Sundaram
👉 Tap the link in our bio to watch the full podcast now! 🎧
#CalmKids #BigLittleEmotions #PodcastForParents #MentalWellness #ParentingTips #Kutuki #SocialEmotionalLearning #ChildDevelopment #EmotionalIntelligence #PositiveParenting
How do you say 'no' without actually saying it? 💬 Here are 6 gentle ways to set boundaries with kindness. Which one do you think works best? Or do you have a go-to phrase that always works? Share it with us in the comments! 👇💛
#CalmKids #MentalWellness #PositiveParenting #CommunicationTips #HealthyRelationships #ParentingTips #MindfulParenting #KidsMentalHealth
#CalmKids #MentalWellness #PositiveParenting #CommunicationTips #HealthyRelationships #ParentingTips #MindfulParenting #KidsMentalHealth
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