CALM CORNER

Providing our children with tools to normalize, sit with and navigate their emotions is critical. One tool backed by copious amounts of research is a "calm corner".

1.     What is a calm corner? A calm corner, often referred to by different names including cozy corner or zen den, is a separated, specific and specialized area in your home or classroom that is solely dedicated to down-regulating, or helping your child calm their body down.

2.     Is a calm corner basically like a time-out area? No! One major distinction of a calm corner is that it is never to be used as punishment. The calm corner is an area where your child can take a break, whether that is with you or on their own, in order to practice ways to help calm their bodies down. This area should never be used as a form of punishment or punitive isolation from the adult.

3.     What should a calm corner include? This space should be warm and inviting, eliciting feelings of calm. Simplicity is key in the creation of calm corners in order to not overstimulate the child. Items placed inside should be thoughtfully chosen, calming and comforting to your child. These areas are, ideally, used proactively, but the can also be used after your child experiences big emotions.

4.     What kinds of items should I put in my calm corner? Items inside a calm corner will vary based on the setting it is being used in (school or home), as well as on the child(ren) that will be utilizing it. Generally, the following items are universally considered to be appropriate for use in calm down corners:

·      Soft comfortable items to sit or lie in such as a pillow, blanket or bean bag

·      Weighted items

·      Fidgets (i.e. Tangles, Pop-Its)

·      Paper to rip

·      Bubble wrap to pop

·      Sensory bottles

·      Soft items that can be thrown or squeezed

·      Posters of mindfulness techniques or breathing exercises

·      Feelings charts to help children identify their current state of emotions

·      Paper / pen to draw or write

·      Calming books

5.     Should I have my child help create their calm corner? Yes! Having your child be a part of the process of creating their own calm corner will not only create buy-in but will help make the calm corner more meaningful to them and, thus, increase the likelihood that it will be utilized appropriately.

6.     How do I introduce a calm corner to my child? Initially, the best way to introduce your child to a calm corner is to do so while they are calm, not when they are in a state of dysregulation or experiencing heightened emotions. Explore the calm corner and the different calming tools when your child is calm. Once you have introduced this area to your child, proactively utilize the calm corner during times your child may need a break or some “down time”, not necessarily when they are in the throws of heightened emotional dysregulation.

7.     How do I reinforce the use of the calm corner? Help your child recognize when their calm corner should be utilized in the times they are experiencing big feelings. For example, if you notice the signs that they are becoming increasingly upset, you might say, “Oh, I’m noticing your hands are clenched into fists and you might be feeling mad. The calm down corner might be helpful right now. Let’s go together”.

If you would like to learn more about how you can create a calm corner in your home or classroom, please reach out to Alessia.