What is a Calming Corner?
A calming corner is a designated area in your home where your child can retreat to when they are feeling angry, sad or any type of big emotion. The space is equipped with soothing materials that promote emotional awareness and mindfulness.
Why do you need a Calming Corner?
It allows children to understand:
- What emotions are
- How to distinguish between emotions
- How to use coping strategies to manage big feelings
Calming Corners empower children to check in with their bodies when they are feeling strong emotions so that they can practice responding to situations rather than reacting. With the ultimate goal of teaching a child how to self-regulate from a young age.
How do WE use our Calming Corner?
We have had our calming corner in our house for a little over 6 months now and it has been a game changer for our family. I like our space to feel very comfy so I keep it filled with pillows and a beanbag. I have a small basket with a blanket and some stuffed toys. One of my favorite resources is the Time-In Tool Kit from Generation Mindful. These posters are a great visual for identifying emotions and offering up different calming strategies, such as deep breaths, drinking a glass of water etc. I’m sure you can also find similar printables on Teachers Pay Teachers or Pinterest if you search for it.
Fast forward to today, and Cyra who us 4 years old, has pretty much outgrown the calming corner for the most part because she self-regulates on her own! The other day I was in my bedroom and I could hear her frustration while doing some task, it was quickly followed with a few deep breaths, then a minute later she cheerfully burst into my room showing off the new outfit her Build-a-Bear was rocking!
If you have a calming corner I would love to hear your experience below!
