Paper or cardstock: Grab a sheet to print or draw your cube template. Cardstock is sturdier, like a tough superhero shield.
Crayons, markers, or colored pencils: Pick your favorite colors to make your cube pop!
Scissors: Ask a grown-up to help with cutting if you’re not a scissor pro yet.
Glue or tape: To stick your cube together after you color it.
A calm-down cube template: You can draw your own (we’ll explain how) or ask a parent to print one from a kid-friendly website.

Got everything? Awesome! Let’s zoom into the fun part—making it!

✂️ Step 1: Create or Get Your Cube Template Your Calm Down Cube starts as a flat shape called a “net” that folds into a cube. Think of it like a treasure map that turns into a box! If you’re artsy, grab a ruler and draw a cross shape: one square in the middle, with five more squares attached (one on each side and one on top). Each square should be the same size—about 2 inches works great. Not into drawing? No problem! Ask a grown-up to search online for a “cube net template” and print one out. Make sure it’s on sturdy paper so your cube doesn’t flop over like a tired puppy.

🖍️ Step 2: Color Your Cube with Calming Vibes Now comes the best part—coloring! Each side of your cube gets a special job to help you chill out. Here are six kid-approved ideas for what to draw or write on each side, but you can add your own flair too!

Side 1: Happy Place 🌈Draw your favorite place, like a cozy treehouse or a sunny beach. Add bright colors to make it feel like a hug. When you’re upset, look at this side and imagine you’re there!
Side 2: Breathe Like a Dragon 🐉Write “Breathe In, Breathe Out” and draw a silly dragon puffing air. This reminds you to take slow, deep breaths to cool down.
Side 3: Funny Face 😜Sketch a goofy face or a wacky animal, like a monkey sticking out its tongue. Laughter is a great way to chase away grumpy feelings!
Side 4: Kind Words 💬Write something nice, like “You’re awesome!” or “You’ve got this!” Add sparkly colors to make it feel extra special.
Side 5: Move It! 💃Draw a kid dancing, jumping, or doing a silly wiggle. This side reminds you to shake out your worries with a quick dance party.
Side 6: Count the Stars ⭐Draw stars or hearts and write “Count to 10.” Counting slowly helps your brain take a break from big emotions.

While coloring, think about what makes you happy. Maybe add glitter or stickers if you’re feeling extra fancy! One kid, Mia, told me she drew a unicorn on her cube because “unicorns make everything better.” What will you draw?

🛠️ Step 3: Cut and Fold Your Cube Once your cube is a colorful masterpiece, it’s time to make it 3D! Carefully cut along the outer edges of your template—go slow so you don’t snip off a corner. Then, fold along the edges of each square to form a cube shape. It’s like turning a flat pancake into a puffy box! If folding feels tricky, ask a grown-up to help. Pro tip: crease the folds sharply with your fingernail to make your cube super crisp.

🔗 Step 4: Glue It Together Now, let’s make your cube stick! Put glue or tape on the little flaps (or edges) of your template and press them together to form a cube. Hold it for a few seconds so it doesn’t pop open like a jack-in-the-box. If you’re using glue, let it dry before you start tossing your cube around. Ta-da! Your Calm Down Cube is born!

🎲 Step 5: Use Your Cube to Chill Out Your cube is ready to be your feelings sidekick! When you’re mad, sad, or just all over the place, grab your cube and roll it like a dice. Whatever side lands up is your calming mission. Maybe you’ll breathe like a dragon or giggle at your funny face drawing. Try it for a minute and see how your heart feels lighter, like a balloon floating high above the clouds. One time, my friend Leo was super mad about losing a game, but he rolled his cube, landed on “Move It,” and did a silly dance that turned his frown upside down!

“My Calm Down Cube is like a magic box that holds all my happy thoughts!”— Mia, age 7

🌟 Why This Cube Helps Your Heart Kids, your brain is like a busy playground, and sometimes it needs a quiet corner to rest. Coloring and creating your cube gives your brain a fun job, which helps push away stress. Plus, each side of the cube is a tool to help you feel strong and calm. Scientists say activities like deep breathing or laughing can lower your heart rate and make you feel more relaxed. By making and using your cube, you’re learning to be the boss of your feelings—a skill that’s cooler than riding a skateboard backward!

🎉 Extra Tips to Make Your Cube Even Cooler Wanna make your cube the ultimate feelings-fighter? Try these:

Add a Pocket Pal: Tie a string to your cube to carry it like a keychain.
Team Up: Make cubes with your friends or siblings and swap calming ideas!
Refresh It: If your cube gets old, make a new one with fresh drawings.
Show It Off: Share your cube with your teacher or family—they’ll love your creativity!

🧠 A Cube That Grows With You Your Calm Down Cube isn’t just a craft—it’s a buddy that helps you handle big feelings now and as you grow. Every time you use it, you’re practicing ways to stay calm, like a ninja training for a feelings showdown. So, the next time your emotions feel like a rollercoaster, grab your cube, roll it, and let it guide you back to happy. You’ve got the power to color your way to calm, and that’s something to high-five yourself for!