What is a calm down corner?

Think of a calm down corner as a safe space for your toddler to decompress and process their emotions. (And, yes, toddlers need space sometimes, too – they have a lot of big feelings to work through!) 

To create an awesome calm down corner for your child, it’s important to design a relaxing space that meets your child’s unique emotional needs.

So, think about what helps soothe your toddler when they’re upset or overwhelmed.

Do they like to read a book or draw a picture to distract them? Or do they need to engage in some kind of physical activity – think an indoor swing – to help them deal with their emotions? Maybe they need something else entirely! Whatever your child’s ~thing~ is, you should include that in their calm down corner.

Sounding a little vague so far? No worries. Keep reading for more ideas to help you create the perfect calm down corner for your little one.

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Btw, calm down corner ≠ time out corner

It’s important to remember that a calm down corner should not be used for punishment. So, don’t banish your toddler there when they knock over the fish bowl (or whatever).

Instead a calm down corner should be used to help your little one take a break from an upsetting or overwhelming situation and learn to manage their emotions in a healthy way.

Keep reading to learn what kinds of things you can include in your toddler’s calm down corner!

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Start with a cozy space.

A cozy tent, soft floor cushion, beanbag chair, or floor pouf are all great options for your little one’s calm down corner. You can even hang a canopy to give your child a little added privacy. Feel free to add throw pillows or a weighted blanket to the space to help make it extra soothing.

Check out the products below for inspiration!

Note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may receive a small commission if you purchase something through these links. If you’re curious, you can check out my full affiliate disclaimer (and other boring legal stuff) here.

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Next, add some calming activity choices to the area.

Sensory toys like glitter jars, Buddha boards, play dough, and zen gardens are a great choice to help little ones calm down. It’s also a good idea to include a small selection of simple puzzles, paper and crayons, or books for your child.

When deciding what items to include in your child’s calm down corner, think about what your child enjoys doing – and what they don’t – and go from there. (No need for art materials if your toddler isn’t into them!) 

For more ideas, scroll down to find a few of the best quiet activities for your little one’s calm down corner.

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Finally, choose a few books about emotions and mindfulness tools to complete your child’s calm down corner.

Toddlers’ emotions can be overwhelming – for you and for your child. Little ones don’t have the ability to tell the difference between a big problem and a small problem yet. The result? Everything feels like the end of the world to them.

(And yes, that includes that time you gave them the blue cup when they really wanted the red cup, but then when you gave them the red cup, they cried because they wanted the blue cup back. End. Of. The. World.)

That means that your child needs your help to learn how to identify their emotions and deal with them in a healthy way.

Books, emotion flashcards, and mindfulness tools for kids are all effective ways to help your little one learn more about their feelings and develop effective coping skills. Here are a few good options!

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Create a coping skills booklet for your little one with this free printable!

Looking for something to help you teach your little one healthy coping skills? Well, I put together this lil set of printable calm down cards to help you out! Each card has an activity idea or coping skill your child can use when they need to calm themselves down. 

Simply print your cards out, laminate them, and store them in a small basket in your child’s calm down corner. Alternatively, you can create a little booklet for your little one to flip through when they need help choosing a calm down strategy.

Some kids even like to keep their booklet with them throughout the day to help them make good choices – whatever floats your child’s boat.

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Have a child with special sensory needs?

Whether your child gets overwhelmed by loud noises or requires high levels of sensory input, there are tons of ways to help your little one manage their sensory needs. 

Definitely check in with your child’s pediatrician or therapist if you need personalized recommendations. Otherwise, here’s a good place to start looking for ideas to add to your little one’s calm down corner, from noise-canceling headphones and sensory swings to calming slime and kid-safe aromatherapy products. 

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Image by SimplyDiscoveryBox

One more thing.

There are a ton of ideas here, but try not to get overwhelmed! When it comes to designing a calm down corner for your child, the idea is simply to create a safe space for your little one to be alone and self-soothe. That’s it. You don’t need anything fancy or complicated.

Focus on the things that your child needs to feel safe and calm themselves down. What’s most important to them? Peace and quiet? A soft, cozy space with their favorite books? A mini yoga “studio” where they can work out their frustration?

Your child’s calm down corner should be as unique as they are.

Finally – and this probably goes without saying – make sure to show your child how to use their calm down corner productively to help them make the most of their new space. Model how to take deep, calming breaths. Teach them a few simple yoga poses they can practice on their own. Help redirect them to a soothing activity when they’re getting overwhelmed.

If you have an emotional toddler (hint: they’re all emotional), creating a calm down corner is one of the best things you can do for their social-emotional development. So, don’t stress about making it perfect. Just get started 🙂

🖤 Meg

PS. Questions? Drop them below!

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