Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) for Kids: Therapy Resources for Ages 5–8

Give young children the gift of calm with this 30-page, therapist-designed resource set for teaching Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR).

Created by Kristen McClure, MSW, LCSW, this evidence-based toolkit equips therapists, counselors, educators, and parents with everything they need to introduce PMR to children ages 5–8.

What’s Inside (29 Pages Total)

✅ Therapist Cheat Sheet — concise, quick-reference guide for session flow

✅ Detailed Therapist Script — full, developmentally appropriate script with pacing, affirmations, and check-ins

✅ Parent Handout — simplified script and bedtime-friendly guidance for at-home practice

✅ Clinical Guidance — best practices, adaptations for ADHD, anxiety, trauma, and autism spectrum

✅ Troubleshooting Section — practical tips for giggles, resistance, or increased anxiety

✅ Progress Tracking Tools — ideas for measuring engagement and growth

Why This Resource Stands Out

• 📘 Comprehensive: 30 pages of therapist + parent-ready materials
• 🧠 Evidence-Based: grounded in research on anxiety, ADHD, and self-regulation
• 🧒 Child-Friendly: simple, concrete language appropriate for K–3rd grade
• 🌱 Flexible: use in therapy sessions, classrooms, or at home
• 🤝 Parent Collaboration: includes a ready-to-go handout to build consistency at home
• 💡 Neurodivergent-Affirming: practical adaptations for diverse needs

Who It’s For

• Therapists, counselors, and psychologists
• School-based mental health staff
• Parents seeking practical calming strategies
• Anyone supporting anxious, sensitive, or neurodivergent children

✨ With this toolkit, you’ll have a ready-to-use, 30-page resource set that makes PMR fun, practical, and effective for kids ages 5–8.

📌 Format: PDF (download + print)

👩‍⚕️ Author: Kristen McClure, MSW, LCSW

© Kristen McClure, MSW, LCSW, 2025