Threat System Brain Activity for Children
An interactive magnetic activity for children's emotional regulation, designed with a family psychotherapist. Children meet their guard dog (the amygdala), learn how their brain and body respond to overwhelm, and discover how to bring their thinking brain back online. A fun, interactive, visual resource for supporting children's mental health at home, in therapy, and in school.
Handmade in the UK
Over 2,000 5* reviews
Worldwide delivery
Magnetic
Description
Threat System Brain Activity for Children
The Guard Dog Brain Activity is an interactive magnetic resource for children's mental health and emotional regulation, designed in collaboration with a family psychotherapist who uses these concepts daily in her practice.
Through both a neuroscience and psychodynamic lens, this hands-on board helps children - and the adults supporting them - understand what's happening internally during moments of overwhelm.
What children learn:
Children identify their tigers (threats), meet their guard dog (the amygdala) - the part of the brain that keeps them safe by responding to perceived threats. They explore how their threat system activates when they feel frightened or overwhelmed, how this interacts with their body (heart racing, tense muscles, swirly tummy), and why they're no longer able to access their thinking brain in those moments.
They then learn how to calm their body, switch their thinking brain back on, and challenge the thoughts that triggered the response in the first place.
Why it works:
Children can't regulate what they don't understand. By giving them a visual, interactive map of their own brain and body, this resource gives children ownership over their emotional experience - so they can recognise what's happening, name it, and respond differently.
The magnetic format means children aren't just reading about their emotions - they're moving the pieces, pointing to what they feel, and actively engaging with the process. This is the difference between learning ABOUT regulation and learning TO regulate.
Who it's for:
- Parents supporting children with anxiety, anger, big emotions, or sensory overwhelm
- Family therapists and child psychologists working in private practice
- ELSAs and emotional literacy support assistants in primary schools
- Social workers, SENCOs, and pastoral staff supporting children's wellbeing
- Anyone working with children and big feelings who wants a visual, interactive tool
Metal display board info
→ 1 x A3 size (297 x 420 mm) magnetic brain board printed onto aluminium metal
→ 16 x metal magnetic picture tokens
→ 1 x A5 paper booklet that walks adults and children through every concept (guard dog, tigers, body reactions, fight/flight/freeze/fawn, calming the body, switching the thinking brain back on)
Rollable magnetic mat info
the rollable magnetic mat includes:
→ 1 x A3 size (297 x 420 mm) magnetic rubber mat just under 1.0mm thickness
→ Will magnetise to a magnetic surface, as well as attracting our magnets.
→ Each sheet can be rolled to a 1/2 inch (12.7mm) diameter without cracking
→ Dry erase, which means you can use and rub off whiteboard pens on this mat
→ Made from non-toxic material
→ 18 x magnetic picture tokens including two blank ones
→ 1 x A5 paper booklet that walks adults and children through every concept (guard dog, tigers, body reactions, fight/flight/freeze/fawn, calming the body, switching the thinking brain back on)
Please keep in mind this is sent in a tube to reduce postage costs. There may be curling, but this can be completely flattened with weight - just like a rug :)
Delivery times
Next dispatch day: Wed 2nd Sept.
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As a self-employed mum, I’ve found a system that keeps our home life balanced while ensuring clear expectations for my lovely customers.
Here’s how it works:
🖌️ Monday – I design all outstanding orders.
🛠️ Tuesday – We spend the day in the office prepping, making, and getting everything ready to go.
📦 Wednesday – Orders are packed and dropped off for shipping.
So, if you place an order on a Thursday, it will be designed the following Monday, made on Tuesday, and shipped on Wednesday.
If you've ordered after our Wednesday drop-off, your order will be designed the following Monday and shipped the following Wednesday.
Once your order is on its way, you'll receive a dispatch email with tracking details (if applicable). If it’s been longer than expected or you have any concerns, please feel free to reach out, I'm always happy to help! 😊
Just so you know what to expect, here's the price range for different areas:
Tracked 48: £2.75
Between £10-£40 spend
Tracked 48: £4.50
Over £40 spend
Free postage on us :)
or next day delivery: £10
Usually takes around 7 working days to arrive from posting.
International tracked including DDP fees: £22.50
Over £15 spend
International tracked including DDP fees: £40.00
Australia flat rate postage
International tracked: £16
£10 - £50 spend
International tracked: £22.50
International tracked: £30
International tracked: £15
£10 - £50 spend
International tracked: £22.50
Over £50 spend
Please send clear photos of the damage to my contact email address within 14 days of delivery, and I'll do my best to resolve it as quickly as possible.
Your satisfaction means a lot to me, and I’ll make sure we get things sorted for you. ❤️
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Have another question?
Pop me an email!
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what's the difference?
metal
Printed onto 0.7mm thick aluminium, the board and picture magnets are a sturdy, smooth surface. Only the board attracts magnets and won't stick to magnetic surfaces. Great for displaying and heavy duty use.
magnetic mat
Printed onto a 1mm thick magnetic rubber sheet with square magnets. It's our lighter version that's great for travelling with, storing away or sticking onto magnetic surfaces.
