My Calm Kit: What to Pack for School on Tough Belly Days

Shining a Light on the Lesser-Known Realities of Crohn’s Disease

Written by Dr. Antonia Repollet
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Certified School Psychologist
GI Psychology

Some days your belly feels comfortable, and other days it can feel painful, crampy, or unpredictable. If you live with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) (like Crohn’s or Ulcerative Colitis), you know that symptoms like stomachaches, nausea, or urgent bathroom trips can pop up at school. You’re not alone. Lots of kids and teens with IBD or other gastrointestinal (GI) conditions wonder how they’ll make it through the day when their belly acts up.

On days when your stomach feels tricky, it can help to have a Calm Kit — a small bag of things you can keep in your backpack to bring comfort and calm when you need it most.

What’s a Calm Kit?

A Calm Kit is a small bag or pouch you keep in your backpack or locker. It’s filled with items that help your body and brain feel safe, soothed, and supported. Everyone’s kit will look a little different, because everyone’s body is different.

Ideas for Your Calm Kit

Here are some things you might pack (you don’t need all of them — just choose the ones that feel helpful for your body):

Water bottle — Taking small sips can keep you hydrated and calm your belly.
Safe snack — Gentle foods that you know your stomach can handle (like plain crackers, applesauce, or whatever feels best for you).
Peppermint mints or ginger chews — These can sometimes soothe nausea. (Check with your parent or doctor first to make sure they’re okay for you.)
Warmth or comfort item — A small heating pad, hand warmer, or soft scarf you can hold or place on your stomach.
Extra supplies — An extra pair of underwear, leggings/shorts, and some wipes tucked in a discreet bag, just in case.
Calming tools — Fidget toys, a stress ball, or a smooth stone you can hold in your hand.
Relaxing sounds — Headphones with calming music, an audiobook, or a meditation track.
Kind reminders — A note from a parent, friend, or even yourself to remind you: “I am strong, and I can get through this.”

How to Use It

Check in with your body: Notice if your stomach feels sore, crampy, gassy, or if you need the bathroom.
Ask for a break: It’s okay to raise your hand or use the signal you and your teacher agreed on. You might need to go to the nurse’s office, the bathroom, or a quiet space for a few minutes.
Use your tools: Pick something from your Calm Kit — maybe sip water, nibble your safe snack, warm your tummy with a heat pack, or listen to calming music.
Talk kindly to yourself: You can remind yourself: “It’s not my fault I have IBD. My body is doing its best, and I know how to take care of it.”

Tips for Creating Your Kit

Keep your Calm Kit in a small pouch or lunchbox inside your backpack or locker.
Practice using the items at home on a hard day, so it feels easy to use them at school.
If you’d like, show your teacher, counselor, or nurse what’s inside, so they know how to support you.
Add or swap items anytime — it’s your kit!

Remember

Having IBD means your body works a little differently, but it’s still your amazing body. A Calm Kit is a tool to help you feel safe, cared for, and ready to get through school days, even when your belly feels tough.

Fun Resources to Explore

Adults living with IBD can also benefit from dedicated psychological support—our IBD Psychotherapy Group is designed to provide tools, community, and evidence-based care for long-term resilience. Enroll today!

References

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