Families
Does anyone in your family ever look like these? YES?
Then the Grump Meter is for you... a FAMILY tool to keep you cool!
For Parents & Other Grownups
A colored piece of cardboard can make a big difference in kids' lives. Here is the Grump Meter:
“Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary. The people we trust with that important talk can help us know that we are not alone.”
Blue is calm.
Green is grumpy.
Yellow is caution like a yellow traffic light.
Orange is your last chance to stop before rising to…
Red—explosive, destructive, and self-destructive anger.
The Grump Meter is a tool for everyone in the family to stay cool, and prevent the climb to red. It's simple and doesn't take long to learn. It is for everyone in the family. You can begin using it right away. As soon as children can identify colors, they’re ready for it. Young people identified as having mood and behavior disorders use the Grump Meter, and children and parents use it in what you might call run-of-the- mill situations: preventing temper tantrums in young children, and preventing and addressing disruptive anger or outbursts with older children and teens. Parents find the Grump Meter effective for themselves as well as their children.
We have seen children and teens, no matter how complicated or disruptive they can be, learn to prevent out-of-control and dangerous outbursts, and find pride and self-compassion in more peaceful behaviors.
How the Grump Meter Can Help
Kids use the Grump Meter in so many ways. They tell each other about it, and become leaders as they teach each other how to use it, and teach their families.
People are glad to have new avenues for talking about anger and other big feelings in their families, and grateful for the possibility that they can safely express themselves, have new kinds of conversations, and solve problems together.
Look in the Grump Meter mirror. What color are you on?
“The Grump Meter has made a difference in our lives as a family; it changed my whole family and me. Thank you for creating this wonderful tool.”