How to Create a Calm Down Corner: A Safe Space for Big Emotions
As a mother and a children’s book author I know the importance of helping our children manage and regulate their emotions. In today’s fast-paced world, my girls experience a wide range of emotions, from excitement and joy to anger and sadness. As parents, educators, and caregivers, we want to equip our children with the skills to process these emotions in healthy ways. One tool that can help is a Calm Down Corner—a safe, comforting space where kids can go when they feel overwhelmed, anxious, sad, or even just in need of a quiet moment.
Let’s dive into what a Calm Down Corner is, the benefits for both children and caregivers, and how you can easily set one up at home!
What Is a Calm Down Corner?
A Calm Down Corner (or area) is a designated spot in your home where children can go to manage their emotions. It’s important to emphasize that this isn’t a place for punishment or “time-out.” Instead, it’s a positive, safe space where kids can take a break to reflect and regain control when their feelings become too much to handle.
Kids of all ages can benefit from having a quiet area to decompress, and even adults can use it as a model for their own emotional regulation. The goal is to teach children that it’s okay to have big feelings, and it’s okay to take time to calm down, rather than react impulsively.
Benefits of a Calm Down Corner
For Kids:
Emotional Regulation: A Calm Down Corner helps children learn to manage their feelings, whether they’re feeling frustrated, sad, or anxious. By giving them the tools to calm down on their own, you’re teaching self-regulation skills that will benefit them throughout life.
Feeling Empowered: When kids use a Calm Down Corner, they’re actively participating in managing their emotions. It’s a space they control, and that sense of empowerment can reduce tantrums or emotional outbursts.
Safe Emotional Expression: Kids need to know that it’s okay to feel big emotions. A Calm Down Corner provides a safe space where they can express those feelings without judgment or punishment.
For Caregivers:
Lower Stress Levels: As caregivers, it’s often hard to know how to help a child who’s in the middle of an emotional meltdown. A Calm Down Corner can give you a clear plan of action, reducing stress for both you and your child.
Fosters Positive Communication: Having a designated space for calming down helps shift the conversation from “What did you do wrong?” to “Let’s take a moment to breathe and feel better.” It promotes healthy emotional habits and encourages open communication.
How to Set Up a Calm Down Corner
Setting up a Calm Down Corner is simple, and it doesn’t require much space or expensive equipment. Here are some easy steps to create a cozy, supportive area:
Choose a Quiet Spot: Find a corner or small area in your home where your child can retreat when they need a break. It should be free from distractions but still within view so you can check in.
Cozy Pillows & Blankets: Create a soft, inviting space with pillows, a blanket, or even a bean bag chair where your child can sit or lie down comfortably. Soft textures can be calming.
Fidget Toys: Include stress balls, sensory toys, or even a favorite stuffed animal that can help your child focus and release nervous energy. Items like squishy toys or sensory bottles are great tools for self-soothing.
Books & Coloring Supplies: Keep a few calming books on hand (like Penny Panda and the Emotion Ninjas!) or provide coloring pages and crayons. Creative outlets like drawing can help kids express what they’re feeling in a non-verbal way.
Visuals: Hang up simple, child-friendly visuals that show breathing exercises or emotion words. This way, your child can use the tools to identify their feelings or practice deep breathing without needing to ask for help.
A Timer: Offer a gentle way for your child to decide how long they need in the Calm Down Corner. A small timer allows them to feel in control of their calming process, encouraging independence.
How to Use the Calm Down Corner
It’s essential to introduce the Calm Down Corner in a positive way. Let your child know that this is a safe space where they can go whenever they feel like they need to take a break—whether they’re feeling frustrated, sad, angry, or even just a little overstimulated.
Be sure to explain that the Calm Down Corner isn’t a punishment. It’s a place for them to take care of themselves when emotions get big. Encourage your child to use the space as needed and praise them when they do. This will help reinforce that it’s okay to ask for time to calm down, and it will reduce negative associations with feeling emotional.
Why the Calm Down Corner Isn’t a Time-Out
Many parents may worry that the Calm Down Corner feels like a “time-out.” However, there’s a key difference: a Calm Down Corner is voluntary. Kids choose to go there, and it’s framed as a positive opportunity for self-care, not a consequence for misbehavior. By giving your child the freedom to use the space when they need it, you’re teaching them valuable coping skills for handling strong emotions in a healthy, constructive way.
Create Your Own Calm Down Corner Today!
A Calm Down Corner can be a game-changer for emotional regulation in both kids and adults. Whether you’re managing a toddler tantrum or helping an older child process their feelings, having a designated space to calm down gives everyone the tools to handle emotions more effectively.
Have you set up a Calm Down Corner at home? I’d love to see your setups! Share your tips or photos using the hashtag #MyCalmDownCorner and let’s build emotionally supportive homes together. 🌈
By incorporating this simple tool into your home, you’re not only fostering a sense of security and emotional safety for your child, but you’re also creating opportunities for positive communication and self-care. 💖
A list of books you can include in your Calm Down Corner:
Penny Panda and the Emotion Ninjas
Penny Panda and the Gift of Possibility
Find Your Calm: A Mindful Approach to Relieve Anxiety and Grow Your Bravery
*Nicole Oke participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.
#ParentingTips #EmotionalWellness #BigFeelings #PennyPanda #SocialEmotionalLearning #CalmDownCorner #ParentingWin #MindfulParenting
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