Bonfire Night is magical for some children and overwhelming for others. The bangs are sudden, the lights are bright, and it can be hard to know what to do when it all feels too loud.
This bonfire night calm down printable is a one-page poster with 6 short tips, each with its own picture so even pre-readers can follow along. The tips are split into Before, During and If it feels too much, so your child knows what to expect.
Pop it on the fridge or by the window, talk it through together, and let your child fill in their own calm place for the night.
What’s inside this free printable
- One colourful poster: Fireworks Night Calm Plan
- 6 cosy tips, each with its own simple icon
- Three phases: Before, During and If it feels too much
- A personal line to complete: My calm place tonight is ______
- A gentle night-sky den illustration
How to use it
- Print the poster a few days before fireworks night so there’s time to talk it through.
- Read each tip together and point to the picture. Ask which ones your child would like to try.
- Get your plan ready: ear defenders somewhere easy to reach, a blanket, a snack and a cosy spot.
- Help your child write or draw their calm place on the line at the bottom.
- On the night, stay near the poster and remind your child it’s always okay to go inside.
- Afterwards, chat about what helped and what you might change next year.
Tips for little ones
- Try your ear defenders on in the daytime so they feel familiar before the bangs start.
- Choose a calm spot away from the loudest windows and make it extra snuggly.
- Practise the candle breath beforehand: breathe in slowly, then blow out gently as if cooling a candle.
- Let your child lead. Going inside early is a good choice, not giving up.
- Keep the evening routine as normal as you can, with tea, a snack and a cosy wind-down.
Questions parents ask
What age is this poster for?
It’s designed for children aged about 3 to 8. The pictures help younger children follow along, and older children can read the tips and write in their own calm place.
Can I use it on any fireworks night?
Yes. Although it’s made with Bonfire Night in mind, the tips work for any evening with fireworks, such as New Year, Diwali or local events, and for other loud noises.
Does this replace professional support?
No. It’s a simple everyday tool to help you plan and talk together. If worries about noise are really affecting your child, speak to someone you trust, like your GP, health visitor or school.
Get your free printable
Download the PDF (A4 and US Letter) from our free printables page. It only takes your email.
Want the full set?
Want more ways to help little ones through big feelings all year round? Our Calm Down Cards for Kids set has 32 printable coping strategy cards that are perfect for a calm down corner.