Abstract

Meet the Keep-Calm Guru, our expert guide to the art of staying cool, calm, and in control in the face of overpowering feelings!

This illustrated book introduces wise ways for children to recognize and cope with anxiety, anger, frustration, and other difficult emotions. Using everything from yoga poses and pressure holds, to deep breathing and relaxing coloring activities, the Keep-Calm Guru shows kids how to take back control and feel cool, calm, and just right.

Suitable for children with sensory and emotional regulation difficulties aged approximately 7-14 years.

Sometimes when I'm angry I hurt people and it makes me sad afterwards. Mum taught me some of these ideas to help me be more controlled and they really work. I'm going to teach them to my friends too so we can all be calm and kind.
Lyra, age 6
A fantastic resource to help children learn strategies to regulate emotions and senses. Self-regulation is a key to success for all students, from social situations to learning students need to use different strategies to regulate their emotions. This ready-to-use book full of timesavers and proformas is a must for all schools and families.
Sue Larkey, Teacher
There is something for everyone in this toolbox of tangible strategies for staying calm and in control. The book cleverly and clearly explores what we feel, why we feel like that and how we can address those feelings. Well explained ideas for readers and clear guidance for supporting adults makes for a book that many will find indispensable.
Pooky Knightsmith, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Specialist
Lots of practical, easy-to-use methods to help kids calm down.
Temple Grandin, author of Thinking in Pictures and The Autistic Brain

Lauren Brukner is a Senior Occupational Therapist who lives in New York City with her husband and her three children. Lauren has appeared as a guest on The Autism Show, The Manhattan Neighborhood Network's School-Home Connection, and the Matt Townsend Show on Sirius XM Radio. Her award-winning books have been listed as resources on websites such as Real Simple Magazine, Inc. Magazine, Marie Claire, Everyday Health, AOL's Health and Wellness, MSN Health, Mothering.com, About.com, and Friendship Circle, as well as numerous school district curricula around the world.

Lauren specializes in sensory integration and self-regulation strategies for children and young people, and their implementation in home, school, and community settings. She holds advanced training and certification in Integrated Listening Systems, and is a Certified Screener for Irlen Syndrome/Scotopic Sensitivity. Lauren is the author of The Kids' Guide to Staying Awesome and In Control and How to Be a Superhero Called Self-Control, which won the gold seal in the Mom's Choice Awards, 2016 for family friendly media, products and services. Lauren is a contributing writer to The Huffington Post and Autism Parenting Magazine and blogs at www.awesomeandincontrol.com. When she is not writing or 'therapizing', Lauren can often be found going on a weekend adventure with her family, having a good dance party with her kids, or curled up with an engrossing book and a great cup of coffee. It all depends on the day.

This book speaks the gentle, smart language that empowers kids to recognize their feelings and learn practical approaches to feel and function better. It's filled with powerful techniques-from deep breathing exercises to sensory modulation tools, from journaling to positive self-talk and yoga poses-that can make a big difference each and every day for stressed-out kids and teens.
Lindsey Biel, M.A., OTR/L, Occupational Therapist, Author, Sensory Processing Challenges: Effective Clinical Work with Kids & Teens, Co-author, Raising a Sensory Smart Child
Emotional and sensory regulation can present as an insurmountable obstacle when difficulties arise and effects behaviors and everyday tasks. Brukner not only tackles these issues head on, but does it from a perspective of an expert occupational therapist and Mother. This allows for sensible practicality teamed with proven evidence based research that truly garners results.
Dr. Frederick B. Covington, OTD, www.ontimepediatrics.com