Creating a “Calm Down Corner” for Your Child

Written By: Nicole Raisin, MS, OTR/L

Some children benefit from a safe, comforting place they can go to when they feel upset, dysregulated, overwhelmed, or they are having a meltdown. Kids with autism, sensory processing disorder, ADHD, and anxiety can all benefit from a calm down corner. Neurotypical kiddos can benefit from one as well! Every child is different and is calmed by different environments and items. As an occupational therapist, here is what I’ve found to be helpful for creating a calm down corner:

1. Start with Reducing Sensory Input

If a child is experiencing sensory overload or overwhelm, it can really impact their ability to calm down.  For most people, reducing extra sensory input (fewer sights, smells, less sound, clutter) supports regulation. Soft, dimmed lights can be helpful. I like to turn off the lights and use a soft, dimmable lamp. A tent, blanket fort, or room divider can help to block out overwhelming visual input (a lot of kiddos respond really well to a cloth play tent). Reducing clutter by removing extra toys and decorations is helpful as well.

A lot of children like pillows or bean bags to “crash” into or crawl under for sensory input.

Remember:

When supporting a child’s self regulation, your safety and your child’s safety is #1.

2. Cozy Textures and Fluffy Things

Cozy textures can be very calming. Soft blankets or carpets on the ground, pillows, bean bags, and stuffed animals. Some children are calmed by different textures (bumpy like corduroy fabric, smooth like a Lego). I recommend starting with softer textures and changing it up based on what your child finds calming.

For a child who may not be safe with additional items in their calm down corner (for example, they may have a meltdown and throw or hit things), cozy textures combined with reduced sensory input would be perfect! Remember: when supporting a child’s self regulation, your safety and your child’s safety is #1.

3. Regulating Fine Motor Activities

Quiet, calming activities that your child can complete by themselves would be great for a calm-down corner. I recommend a puzzle, Legos (not too many to reduce visual clutter), a coloring book, sticker book, or a felt book (aka quiet book or busy book).

4. Other Regulating Sensory Items

Items like oil or sand timers, stress balls, vibrating stuffed animals, play dough, or fidget toys can be helpful as well. These items are optional and depend on what helps your child feel calm. Less is more- there should just be a few items to choose from.

5. What about older kids and teens?

An older teen or kid may enjoy helping to create their “space” based on what they enjoy. Discussions on what helps their body feel calm and relaxed are great for supporting self-advocacy and self-awareness. Blankets, pillows, and dimmed lights are all great. They may enjoy twinkly lights or dimmable/ colored lights. Favorite music with noise canceling headphones and snacks would be great as well. They may enjoy a quiet fine motor craft that includes a repetitive motion (for example, knotting friendship bracelets, weaving, finger knitting, painting projects, color by number).

6. What if we are out in the community, and we don’t have access to the calming corner?

Introducing, the second best thing- the calm down box! (Or bag, backpack, etc…) A calm down box can be brought in the car, to a restaurant, or anywhere in the community to support your child’s self-regulation needs. Items you could include: noise canceling headphones, calming fidget toys, oil timers, coloring book or felt book, chewy sensory tool, small stuffed animal.  

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