Calming Corner
A calming corner is a designated space where children can go to relax and self-regulate their emotions. This safe spot provides sensory relief from overstimulation and encourages children to manage their feelings in a safe space, making it an effective tool for emotional growth.
A Calming Corner should be the opposite of a “Time Out” approach. The child decides when and for how long they want to stay and should be presented as a coping tool rather than discipline. Caregiver should check on them to avoid feeling of isolation.
Benefits:
- Emotional Regulation: Helps children calm down, recognize their emotions, and return to a balanced state.
- Promotes Independence: Encourages self-regulation without needing constant adult intervention.
- Reduces Meltdowns: Provides a safe space to prevent or reduce the intensity of tantrums or meltdowns.
- Encourages Reflection: Teaches children to process and cope with their feelings.
- Supports Sensory Needs: Provides sensory input to help soothe children who may be overstimulated or anxious.
- Builds Coping Skills: Encourages children to learn strategies for calming down that they can carry with them throughout their lives.
Items to Include in a Calming Corner:
- Designated space: Set up a space that provides a feeling of safety, calm and comfort that child has access towhen they are feeling upset or anxious. Examples include a quiet spot in house, a kid size tent, Inflatable sensory chair or blanket fort.
- Soft Seating: Cushions, mat and pillows. bean bags, or a comfy chair to provide a comfortable place to relax.
- Fidgets and Sensory Toys: Squeeze balls, fidget spinners, sensory bottles, or textured toys for tactile stimulation. Working with our hands calms our nervous system.
- Weighted or compression Items: Weighted blankets or lap pads, Body sock, compression vest, or compression tunnel to provide calming deep pressure.
- Books: Simple books about feelings and self-regulation of their emotions, to help children identify and understand their emotion, as well as learn good coping skills such as breathing.
- Calming Visuals: Sensory calming lights, visual fidget toys, , sensory bottles, or low-lit fairy lights to create a soothing atmosphere.
- Noise-Cancelling Headphones: To block out overwhelming sounds and help the child feel safe.
- Breathing Tools: Pinwheels, bubbles, mindful breathing light or breathing cards to guide deep breathing exercises.
- Soft Textures: Plush toys, blankets, or soft fabrics to provide comforting sensory input.
- Calming Scents: Lavender sachets or essential oil on right collar of shirt to stimulate “brake pedal” part of the brain. These scents include cedar wood, lemon, burnt wood and peppermint, which have calming effects.
- Visual Timer: To help children see how much time they should spend in the calming corner.
- Emotion Chart: A chart with different faces or emojis representing emotions to help children articulate their feelings. Calming corner posters are a great resource.
- Quiet Activities: Coloring books, crayons, or puzzles to offer a quiet, focused distraction.
- Water Bottle: Provide water that is easily accessible to prompt child to stay hydrated to improve self-regulation.
Creating a calming corner can give your child a go-to space for managing their emotions in a healthy and constructive way!
