As parents, we all want to provide our children with a safe and comfortable environment where they can relax and unwind. That’s why a calming corner can be so beneficial!
But how do you make sure that your kids have a special place to calm down? The answer lies in creating a cozy calming corner in your home.
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Not only does a calm down corner help your child feel more relaxed and happy, but it also has positive impacts on their overall development – especially when it is equipped with cozy seating, like the Brentwood Home Play Chair. We’ll discuss why having a dedicated relaxation spot for kids is important as well as tips on how to create the perfect calming corner at home.
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What is a calming corner?
As a parent, you know all too well the importance of providing a safe haven for your little ones to unwind and recharge after a long day. The hustle and bustle of running from one event to another, dealing with others, and even just having to transition from one activity to the next can easily overwhelm children, leading to meltdowns and tantrums. That’s where creating a calming corner in your home comes in.
Essentially, a calm down corner is a designated space in the classroom or home where children can go to calm down and regulate their emotions. It’s equipped with tools and materials that encourage mindfulness and relaxation, such as books, sensory toys, and even visual aids like calming scenes or posters with positive affirmations. If your child has auditory sensitivity, you can also include a pair of headphones to help them get some quiet.
Whether it’s taking some deep breaths or squeezing a stress ball, the calming corner offers a safe and supportive environment for children to take a mindful moment and reset.
RELATED: 6 steps to calm a tantrum
The importance of creating a calming corner in your home for kids
A calming corner isn’t just a cute idea that leads to a bunch of work for you. When your child uses this space regularly, it actually makes parenting easier for you.
This dedicated calm-down space, designed to help children de-stress and refocus, can work wonders in soothing frazzled nerves and restoring a sense of calm.
A calm down corner serve as a practical tool for managing emotional outbursts, but it is important beyond that. Setting up this space sends a powerful message to our little ones that their feelings and wellbeing matter. So if you’re struggling to get the kids to settle from tantrums or meltdowns, consider carving out a special corner in your home where they can relax and recharge in peace.
How to create the perfect calming space for your children at home
This cozy nook can be a special space for kids to relax and recharge when they’re feeling overwhelmed. But where to start? Whether you have a spare corner in the living room or a dedicated room, designing a calming corner can be a fun and creative project for you and your little ones.
Ideally, a calm-down corner will be separate from more active play or living spaces. Especially if you have more than one child, you want to make sure the calming corner is away from the stimulation and noise of your other kids. If you can’t find a completely quiet space in your home, consider adding a pair of noise-cancelling headphones for your child to pop on.
The best thing is, you can probably work with items you already have in your home to make your calming corner, no huge renovation necessary! Here’s some tips on making the perfect calming corner for your little one.
Decorating tips for a calming corner in your home
Your designated calm-down space should have calming colors and be filled with items that encourage relaxation and mindfulness. From soft pillows to cozy blankets (and maybe even calming music), each element plays a role in creating a calming atmosphere.
The Brentwood Home play chair is a great choice for a calm down corner. It’s comfortable and can be moved around easily to create a personalized calming space.
It has a pocket on the side of the chair that keeps books and sensory toys off the floor and out of the way (but always there when you need them). When your child is done in the calm-down space, they can simply store their items away for a clutter-free space. Plus, the play chair is GREENGUARD Gold certified, meaning you know it contributes to a safe, non-toxic environment for your kids.
If your child has sensory needs, a rug with an interesting texture is another nice addition. I love this one because it has stripes of different piles and thicknesses (plus it’s both non-toxic and washable).
If you think your child would prefer a little more color, this rug may fit better. Just like the other rug I mentioned, this one is non-toxic and washable, but the diamonds and shapes may provide interesting patterns for your child to trace with their fingers.
Consider adding some soft cushions, pillows, or stuffed animals (my sensory girl loves those huge Squishmallow stuffed animals). A few favorite books (placed in the side of your child’s play chair) or fidget toys will also set your child up for calm.
Calm down corner activities
Sensory activities are especially helpful in creating a calming effect in kids. All of these activities bring your child back into the present and into their bodies (and pull them out of freak-out mode).
RELATED: 5 mindfulness activities for toddlers and kids
From playdough to sensory bins to calming music, there are infinite ways to set up a calm corner and make it appealing to all different types of children.
You can even give your child a sense of ownership over their calm down space by letting them choose or create some of the activities you add. For example, my daughter glued a bunch of objects (such as pipe cleaners and sea shells) that felt interesting to her onto several pieces of cardboard. Now when she’s overwhelmed, she can go back and feel those sensory boards she created for herself.
Putty is also great for a sensory calm down area. I really like it over playdough simply because it stays in one piece (here’s an easy recipe for DIY silly putty).
My little boy loves puzzle balls, so we have one there for him to play with when he’s feeling overwhelmed. And it did the trick!
When kids have a special space to go to when they need it, they feel a sense of belonging and control over their environment. Allowing your child to venture into this quiet place will not only give them a chance to take a peaceful break but it also teaches them the importance of self-care.
Why a calming corner instead of a time out corner
I want to be clear, a calming corner isn’t meant to be a punishment. This isn’t the same as a “time out corner” from when we were kids. We’re not making your kid stick their nose in the corner for 5 minutes!
A calming corner is just that – a place for your kids to calm down. Your older child may go and stay there willingly for a little while. But a toddler or young preschooler may need a little more help. You may need to go to the calm down corner with them and guide them towards an activity or read them a book.
And you can model the use of a calming space for yourself too. If you’re starting to feel worked up, you can tell your (older) children, “I need a few minutes. I’m going to my space to calm down.” And then you can do some breathing exercises, gentle yoga, or another mindfulness technique.
Conclusions on creating a calming corner for your kids
I hope this post gives you some inspiration for creating a calming corner for your little ones. Setting this corner up only took me about an hour, and all I needed to buy for it was a rug (although I really recommend having cozy kid-sized seating like the Brentwood Home play chair).
After you modeling using your own calm down space and teaching your little ones about their own, don’t be surprised when they start noticing their emotions and going to the calming corner, all on their own!
