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Helping kids manage their emotions is a skill that takes time and consistent practice. Learning to recognize and regulate emotions as a child is an extremely valuable lesson. Adding a calm corner to the summer routine will support your child and equip them with healthy coping skills.
A calm corner is a safe space in the home for children to take a break when they feel overwhelmed. It is used as a tool for self-regulation where kids can practice calming techniques and regain control of emotions. Ideally, kids should be encouraged to visit the calm corner when they begin to feel dysregulated, and before they reach a “meltdown.” The hope is that kids will begin to recognize their feelings and go to the calm corner without prompting, when needed.
Choose a small space that is quiet and visible to an adult. It doesn’t need to be an actual corner, just a cozy place to tuck away. The space can be very simple and provide a few quick choices that are easy to use. Avoid complex items that need adult support or detailed explanations. Provide a few items so that the options aren’t overwhelming.
Suggested items to include:
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Soft items: weighted stuffies, pillows, small rugs, blankets
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Visuals: feelings chart, emotion cube, calm down strategies poster
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Tools: fidgets, pop its, sensory bottles, stress balls
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Books: favorite picture books, calming stories
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Auditory: noise cancelling headphones, soft music
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Timer: set for 2-5 minutes to help manage time
Introduce the corner during a calm moment. Walk through each item and how it should be used. Allow kids to have a quick visit to the calm corner and model expectations. Emphasize that the calm corner is for short visits and kids can leave when the timer is up or check in with an adult if more help is needed. Teach kids to clean up and put back tools after use. Encourage others to respect the space when someone using the calm corner and not approach or try to join.
Explicitly teach calm down strategies and have a visual representation in the calm corner to remind kids what to do when feelings get big. Model strategies like box breathing, counting to 10, blowing out the imaginary candles, rainbow breathing, and big self-hugs.
Build self-awareness by asking kids to recognize when big feelings are coming. Practice by modeling the prompts:
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Name your feeling - “I feel frustrated.”
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Name your need - “I need help.”
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What can you do to feel better - “I am going to take 5 deep breaths.”
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Supporting a child’s emotional growth is a very powerful activity this summer. Use everyday moments talk about feelings and model calming strategies that work for you as an adult. Show kids it’s okay to have big emotions, and that they are equipped to work through them. By creating a calm down corner, you are giving kids an emotional toolkit they carry into adulthood.
