Having a calm corner in our home is one of the best decisions I've ever made. It is one of our favorite spots in the house, and it's constantly used by my 3.5 year old and 18 month old (and me)!
And the best part is, it's super easy to set up. It can be as big or as small as you want, and it can be in any room. Ours is in the living room, but you can set one up in your child's bedroom or playroom, too!
Why Do We Have a Calm Corner?
There are so many positive outcomes from having a calm corner, even at this young age!
- Emotional Regulation: Helps children learn to manage and process their emotions independently.
- Stress Reduction: Provides a designated space to unwind and relax, reducing stress and anxiety.
- Improved Focus: Encourages better concentration by offering a quiet, distraction-free area.
- Conflict Resolution: Serves as a safe space for children to retreat to when they need to cool down from conflicts or over-stimulation.
- Self-Soothing: Teaches children self-soothing techniques, fostering emotional resilience and coping skills.
- Promotes Independence: Empowers children to recognize when they need a break and take proactive steps to address their emotional needs.
- Encourages Mindfulness: Supports the practice of mindfulness and reflection, contributing to overall mental well-being.
- Positive Behavioral Development: Reinforces positive behavior by providing an alternative to punitive measures for managing emotions.
- Consistency and Routine: Establishes a consistent routine that can make children feel secure and understood.
- Parental Support: Gives parents a tool to help manage and support their child’s emotional development in a structured way.
What We Have in the Calm Corner
Here is what we have in our calm corner with the links provided.
- Pillows with affirmations - The ones we have are no longer available, but the one linked is a good alternative
- Rug
- Emotions figures - This comes as part of a set, but here's a good alternative from Amazon
- Basket with calm and fidget toys - I have a bunch of toys in the basket, and will have a separate blog on those soon!
- Posters with emotions and strategies - There are a bunch of emotions and strategies posters out there, and I went onto Etsy to find mine. These are by PrintberryKids
- Bookshelf with a variety of books - I have a bunch of different kinds of books on the bookshelf, and will have a separate blog on those soon!
Having a space for children to process their emotions and learn how to regulate is a a beautiful gift you can give them.
