What to Say Cards

What it is

What to Say Cards give you one short line for the moment you're in, plus a teen version on every card that won't sound babyish. Turn the card over to see why it helps, how to say it (voice, body, timing), and the one line to skip. Made by a social worker for social workers, case managers, teachers and aides, in-home providers, and foster and kinship caregivers. Works at home, at school, in the office, in the car, and on home visits. 50 PHRASE CARDS IN 5 COLOR-CODED SUITS - Before / Notice early: name what you see, check the body first (water, snack, break), walk and talk, a number check, lower their guard - During / Few words: "I'm here," safety words, a calm limit, getting quieter yourself, "I'm not mad" - During / Choices & space: two small choices, space or close, a reset spot, lose the audience, leave the door open - After / Repair & reconnect: notice the comeback, their side first, own your part, plan for next time, "we're still okay" - Anytime / Skip this, say this: 10 lines most of us reach for under stress ("Calm down," "Look at me," "Why did you do that?") with a calmer swap and the reason why

What's included

• 54 pocket cards (2.5 x 3.5 in, standard playing-card size, fits card sleeves): 50 phrase cards, How to Use, Your Body Talks First, Get Help Now, and a blank card for your own words
• A unique back for every card, ready to print double-sided (flip on long edge)
• "A few things worth knowing" page and a quick-find list of all 50 cards
• One-page Pocket Cheat Sheet with the words for every moment
• Calm Words Plan: fill in for one kid or teen, ideally together, so every adult says the same thing
• Helper Debrief: five quiet minutes for you after a hard moment
• A fold-up tuck box that holds the whole deck

Great for