Does My Toddler need a calm down corner?
You’ve likely seen the calm down corner swirling around social media or in classrooms and you may be wondering if this approach would work in your home. Being able to calm yourself down when emotions run high-or self regulate-is a learned skill. Similar to learning to tie their shoes, children have to learn what to do when they feel overwhelmed.
Why might my toddler need a calm down corner?
The overall goal of a calm down corner is to provide your child with a space in which they will feel safe and will be able to express their emotions in a healthy way. The goal is to have a specific space where they can go if they’re upset or showing signs of anger or frustration. These corners do not need to be complicated and no purchasing of extra items is required. Use the following tips to create a loving space dedicated to your toddler or young child.
How to create a calm down corner for your toddler
If you have an empty corner in your playroom, try carving out a corner for this purpose. Fill the space with a mat, rug, or other plush options for sitting or lying down. Add some books or small, quiet toys that your child can utilize as they try to regulate.
Add sensory items that stimulate our physical senses and help return us to a baseline state. Soft furnishings like a beanbag chair or furry rug work well, as do fidget toys and stress balls.
How to help your toddler use their calm down corner
Use visuals to encourage your toddler to remember what to do. In the heat of the moment, your toddler might not remember the steps they need to take to calm themselves down. Add a visual chart to remind them what they can do in order to self-regulate and relax. Have photos of emotions on real faces to encourage them to identify what it is they may be feeling.
It is important to be consistent! It will take time for both you and your toddler to get used to this technique. When you notice your child becoming overstimulated, encourage them to find their corner. Be consistent in this and they will eventually recognize when it is time themselves.
We hope this helps your little ones regulate their emotions and learn that it’s okay and perfectly normal to feel frustrated or overwhelmed.
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