Just like adults, young kids also feel all sorts of emotions. They are born with emotional reactions when they feel happy, sad, angry, frustrated, upset and so on. Recognizing these emotions and managing them isn’t easy for them. They gradually learn about it as they grow older. But while they’re young, expressing their emotions in a socially appropriate way doesn’t come naturally.
No matter how much we try to understand our kids, they get emotionally dysregulated. This is where a calm down corner comes in.
Do you have a kids’ quiet spot?
Keep reading and learn about the importance of a quiet spot for kids.
Helps shift their brain
One of the benefits of a calm down corner is that helps shift their brain from their emotions. For example, when you take some time to snuggle with your little one and read a book with them, you are helping them shift their focus from their feelings to the current activity. Don’t worry if this doesn’t immediately work for your child. Remember that letting them stay in their quiet spot is a lot better than having them stay in their room.
Sending them to their room when they go through negative emotions will only give them the impression that feeling upset or angry isn’t appropriate. That’s not the kind of message we want to send to our children. We want to help them understand that feeling their emotions is not shameful. It’s just that there are ways to handle them better.
Provides a more constructive way to self-regulate
Adults are not exactly constructive when it comes to expressing their emotions. There are times when we repress our feelings until they build up and explode. We don’t want our kids to have that habit because stuffed emotions lead to temper tantrums. When your little one shows you big emotions, a calming down corner provides a more effective and constructive way to self-regulate. It will make them feel they are safe and loved regardless of how they feel.
As a result, learning how to accept and manage their emotions will be a lot easier.
Strengthen your bond with your child
When you put your child in a quiet spot instead of punishing them for how they feel, you are making them feel loved rather than hated. It gives them the impression that they are accepted, even if they are upset, angry, sad or frustrated. This helps build trust and strengthens the connection between you and your child.
Now, if you don’t have a calm down corner in your home yet, here are some useful tips to help you create one.
- The first step is to find that perfect spot. Look for a corner in your house that is not too busy and is quiet enough. It could be a little cozy corner in the living room or a space in their bedroom.
- Next, make the space more cozy and inviting. There are plenty of creative ideas you can use to make this happen.
- For example, you can use a curtain to hang on the walls. If your child has a tiny tent, you can use that, too. Another excellent option is a canopy which you can hang from the ceiling using a hook. Then, lay out a soft mat on the floor for coziness.
- Add some tools or toys that help calm your child down when they are stressed or frustrated. From their favorite books to stress balls and play dough, put their favorite items in a box or basket so they can have something to play with quietly in their calm down corner.
- As soon as everything’s ready, be sure your little one understands what this quiet spot is for. Show them where it is and explain to them that this is where they can go when they need a break or when they feel bad, upset or frustrated.
Dealing with emotions isn’t something that young kids are really good at, which is why a calm down corner comes in handy. Help your child develop the skill of managing their feelings in a healthy manner by creating a calm down corner in your home.
Here at The Pillars Christian Learning Center, our focus is the holistic development of each child. We aim to help them develop the essential cognitive, emotional and social skills that will set them on the path for future success.