Creating a Calming Corner in Your Home
October has begun and our children have already been in school for a month. Many are exhausted, overwhelmed, and dysregulated. Being able to calm down, or self-regulate, is a learned skill. One way to help children learn how to self-regulate is by providing them with a Calming Corner. A Calming Corner is a designated space in a home or classroom with the sole intent of being a safe space for a child to calm when they feel their emotions are running too high.
Calming Corners can help children to practice identifying feelings and emotions to better manage stress, self-regulate and control their impulses. Having a space designed to support them emotionally and physically helps them feel safe and comfortable, allowing them to let down their guard and process their feelings.
Learning how to communicate one’s feelings and emotions can be difficult, but calming spaces such as this help children practice mindfulness and develop skills they need to identify their emotions and communicate them when necessary. Stronger communication skills help them form stronger relationships with others and develop skills in empathy.
Consider making it as simple as possible so that it does not overwhelm your child. Consider what supports your child when they are upset. For example, does your child prefer quiet or music? Do they like low lighting, darkness, or bright lights?
Calming music to be helpful in regaining control of their emotions.
Add artwork – some ideas that might work well for your children include nature, animals, and landscapes.
Put out a basket with sensory play objects. For many kids, using and exploring sensory play can help them deescalate when they’re feeling overwhelmed.
Don’t think of it as a ‘time out’ or punishment – there shouldn’t be any stigma associated with the calm down corner. Although you may encourage a child to spend some time in the space when you feel they’re starting to become distressed, the goal is that eventually the child will recognize when they want to be there and will go there on their own to self-regulate and calm down.
Use Visuals – There are some great print-ables for Calm Down Corners available online.
Fill the space with stuffed animals, soft blankets and cushions.
This space can be used by anyone in the family when they are feeling overwhelmed and need a little time and support to process and regulate.
