Anger Thermometer Free PDF Template: The Simple Visual Tool That Helps Stop Outbursts Before They Start
You’re doing everything you can to help your child. But when anger hits, it feels like a tidal wave – fast, loud and unstoppable.
And by the time you’re in the middle of an outburst, it’s too late.
What if your child could spot those angry feelings before they take over? That’s exactly what an anger thermometer helps you do – and I’ve created a free version you can start using today.
What Is an Anger Thermometer – And Why Does It Work?
An anger thermometer is a simple, evidence-based tool that helps children track their emotional state and take action before anger explodes. It works like a colour-coded scale, from green (calm) to red (overwhelmed), helping children understand and manage their feelings early – rather than after an outburst has already happened.
As a clinical child psychologist with over 20 years of experience – and as Clinical Director of Everlief, one of the UK’s largest child psychology clinics – I’ve used this tool with hundreds of families. Time and again, I’ve seen the positive impact it has when used in a thoughtful, personalised way.
Why Visuals Work Better Than Words
Children – especially those who are neurodivergent – often struggle to explain their emotions. But they can usually point to how they feel in their bodies. The anger thermometer helps them connect those physical cues to what’s going on emotionally, and shows them they have options.
Spotting Anger Before It Explodes
The key is recognising the yellow zone – the early signs like clenched fists, a racing heart, or “buzzy” energy. Once they can name those signals, children are far more likely to choose calming actions before things escalate into the red zone.
How to Use Your Anger Thermometer at Home
You don’t need to create your own. I’ve designed a free printable anger thermometer PDF template that includes a ready-made chart, calming strategy prompts, and guidance to personalise it for your child.
At Everlief, we’ve seen this approach work for children across a range of ages and needs – from autistic children who need concrete visuals, to children with ADHD who benefit from movement-based strategies.
Use It During a Calm Moment
Choose a quiet, safe time to introduce the thermometer. Keep it light and curious:
“I found this thermometer that shows how our feelings build up – I thought we could try it out together.”
Stick it somewhere visible, like the fridge or bedroom wall, and refer to it often:
“Hmm, I wonder if you’re feeling a bit yellow right now. What might help?”
Case Study – Feelings Thermometer: Angus, Age 7
In the first example, seven year old Angus has rated his anger level as a 5 out of 10.
On his personalised anger management scale, a 5 means he is getting easily frustrated.
He feels “fizzy”.
After talking it through with his dad, Angus notices that at this level he starts kicking things, ripping up paper and shouting out in class. He might deliberately annoy others to get a reaction, like flicking paper at them.
What helps is when his teacher notices these small behaviours and gives the whole class a movement break to release pent-up emotions. Angus then moves back down the anger scale to a 1 or a 2.
Ana’s Anger Thermometer
In my second example, thirteen year old Ana regularly rates her levels of anger.
On this occasion she reflects on a trigger that caused a “level 9” on the anger scale.
Someone deliberately tripped her up in the school corridor. Ana remembers that at level 9 she “snaps”. She ran after the other student, grabbed them by the hair and tried to wrestle them to the floor. For this, both students got in big trouble.
Ana realises that she doesn’t want to get to a level 9 in the future.
She realises she was actually already at a level 5 because she finds corridors noisy and stressful.
She decided that in future she would take a different route to her next class.
Sammy’s Emotion Thermometer
My free printable emotion thermometer can be useful for older teens and young adults too.
In my third example, 17 year old Sammy reflects on her anger at being told by her parents that she can’t go to a party tonight.
Her anger level is a 6 on her emotion thermometer.
She is seething inside but she knows that if she smashes up her room (which is what she feels like doing) it will make the situation worse.
She still has some control.
At a level 6 on the anger scale, Sammy knows she has to disperse some of her anger.
She goes out and sprints for a mile along her usual running route. Her aim is to get more in control so that she can return and negotiate more calmly with her parents.
Common Mistakes Parents Make (And How to Avoid Them)
Even with a helpful tool like the anger thermometer, it’s easy to fall into traps that reduce its effectiveness. Here are two of the most common ones I see in my clinical practice:
Using It During an Outburst
Children can’t learn when they’re in a state of emotional overload. That’s why the thermometer should always be used preventatively, not reactively. Introduce it during peaceful times, and practice using it regularly so it becomes second nature.
Treating It Like a Behaviour Chart
Here’s a common myth:
“My child just needs to learn to calm down.”
But by the time they’re in the red zone, their thinking brain is offline. What they really need is the ability to notice and respond earlier. That’s where the anger thermometer shines – it teaches children to tune in before they reach boiling point.
This isn’t about control. It’s about emotional literacy, self-awareness, and co-regulation.
Will the Anger Thermometer Work for Neurodivergent Children?
In my two decades supporting children through the NHS and now at Everlief, I’ve seen the anger thermometer work beautifully for neurodivergent children – with a few simple tweaks:
- For autistic children, simplify the language, use emojis or icons, and link it to sensory strategies or routines.
- For children with ADHD, emphasise body awareness and offer movement-based calming options like trampolining or stretching.
This tool adapts to your child’s unique profile – and when you personalise it together, it becomes even more powerful.
Get Your Anger Thermometer PDF Template
This isn’t just any printable. It’s based on decades of clinical experience supporting families at Everlief, one of the UK’s leading child psychology clinics.
Inside the free anger thermometer PDF kit, you’ll find:
- A ready-to-use printable thermometer
- Strategy suggestions for each zone
- A short guide to help you introduce and personalise it
💡 Click below to get your free anger thermometer template now.
This small step could lead to big change – less shouting, fewer power struggles, and more emotional safety for your child.
What If One Simple Tool Could Be the First Step to Fewer Outbursts?
Supporting an angry or explosive child is emotionally exhausting. I know this both as a psychologist and a parent. But small tools – used with empathy and intention – can create powerful shifts in daily life.
At They Are The Future and through our work at Everlief, our mission is to equip you with practical, psychologically grounded tools you can use right away – even if you’re still waiting for a diagnosis or support.
So if your child is struggling with anger, take the next step. Try the thermometer. See how your child responds. And if you want deeper support, we’re here when you’re ready – through Everlief Parent Club and beyond.
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Dr Lucy Russell is a UK clinical psychologist who works with children and families. Her work involves both therapeutic support and autism assessments. She is the Clinical Director of Everlief Child Psychology, and also worked in the National Health Service for many years.
In 2019 Lucy launched They Are The Future, a support website for parents of school-aged children. Through TATF Lucy is passionate about giving practical, manageable strategies to parents and children who may otherwise struggle to find the support they need.
Lucy is a mum to two teenage children. She lives in Buckinghamshire with her husband, children, rescue dog and three rescue cats. She enjoys caravanning and outdoor living, singing and musical theatre.
