Help Your Child Pause, Breathe & Choose Their Best Self

Download our free printable STOP! Poster — a simple, science-based tool that teaches kids how to calm big feelings and respond with mindfulness.

A Quick Pause Changes Everything

  • Red stop sign with white border and text that says 'STOP'.

    STOP

    Pause and do Nothing

  • Cartoon fox demonstrating box breathing technique with a hand on its chest. The image includes instructions to inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds, and hold for 4 seconds, with the title 'Box Breath' at the top.

    Breath

    Breathing Resets the Brain

  • Cartoon of a deer dressed as an archer, wearing a green hooded cloak and carrying a quiver of arrows on its back.

    Observe

    What’s Happening in your Body?

  • Cartoon owl wearing armor with a letter 'M' on its chest, holding its chin in a thinking pose.

    Put into Perspective

    Go inside and look at yourself

When we get triggered, our emotions can take over, making it hard to think clearly or make good choices. The STOP IT! steps help calm the body, connect the mind and feelings, and create space for thoughtful action. Practicing this protocol builds:

  • Self-control: Pause before reacting

  • Self-regulation: Calm your body and mind

  • Self-awareness: Notice what you feel and why

  • Empathy & Reflection: Consider your words and actions

Children participating in a mindfulness activity in a playroom, with one girl standing with her hand on her chest and three children sitting cross-legged, surrounded by toys and colorful blocks, with a mindfulness poster on the wall.

Why Does It Work?

Get Your Free Poster Here

Simply fill out this quick form so we can stay in touch and download your poster

What You’ll Receive

✅ Full-color printable PDF (8.5 × 11 in and A4)
✅ Parent/Teacher quick-start guide

M3 STOP! Protocol – Instructions & Insights for Parents and Educators

What Is the M3 STOP! Protocol?

The M3 STOP! protocol is a simple, practical tool to help children (and adults) handle strong emotions like anger, frustration, shame, or guilt. It guides you to pause, breathe, notice your feelings, and reframe your perspective—building self-control, emotional regulation, and awareness.

How to Use the Protocol

  1. Hang the M3 STOP! poster somewhere visible—on the fridge, a bedroom wall, or in the classroom.

  2. Model the steps yourself. When you feel upset, say out loud, “I’m going to STOP and use my protocol.”

  3. Practice together when calm. Role-play situations with your child so the steps become familiar.

  4. Use in the moment. Gently remind your child (or yourself!) to use each step when a tough feeling arises.

  5. Reflect after. Talk about how it felt to use the steps and what you learned.

A minimalist kitchen with light wooden cabinets, a white marble countertop, a framed poster on the wall, a wooden dining table with chairs, a potted plant, and a window letting in natural light.

For Parents and Educators

  • This protocol works for all ages. Self-regulation is a skill that grows with practice—adults benefit too!

  • Work as a team. Kids learn best by seeing adults use these tools themselves.

  • Be patient. It may take time to remember all the steps in the heat of the moment. Celebrate progress!

About the Author

The M3 STOP! protocol was created by a certified mental health and lifestyle guide, licensed massage therapist, and educator with over 30 years’ experience working with children, teens, and adults. It draws on proven techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), neuro-psychotherapy, and neuro-linguistic programming (NLP). These methods have helped children facing challenges like low confidence, bullying, self-harm, and emotional outbursts, as well as those with more complex needs.