Creating a Calm Corner at Home: Tips from Anxiety Experts

by

For children with anxiety, having a designated space to calm down and reset can significantly improve their emotional management. A “calm corner” is a sensory-friendly, safe space where your child can retreat when overwhelmed. Creating one doesn’t need to be complicated. 

Here are step-by-step instructions, supported by tips from anxiety experts, to help you create a calming space for your child at home.

Why Create a Calm Corner?

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), anxiety in children has been on the rise, with more children experiencing overwhelming feelings due to various stressors, including academic pressure, social media, and family dynamics. A calm corner allows children to learn emotional self-regulation, providing them with the tools to manage anxiety independently.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Sensory-Friendly Calm Corner

Select the Right Location

The first step is choosing a quiet, private space in your home. It should be free from distractions like the TV or other siblings playing. An unused bedroom corner, a nook in the living room, or even a tiny closet can serve as a calming zone.

Expert Tip: Ensure the space is consistent. Anxiety experts recommend keeping the calm corner in the same spot to give your child a sense of security and predictability.
Resources: Child Mind Institute offers numerous articles, resources, and expert advice on childhood anxiety and emotional regulation.

Create Comfortable Seating

Soft, comfortable seating options such as bean bags, oversized pillows, or cozy chairs are essential. These provide a physical space for your child to sit or lie down while calming down.

Expert Insight: Occupational therapists often emphasize the importance of a comfortable environment to help children feel grounded. Avoid overly stiff chairs or hard surfaces that might not allow full relaxation.

Sensory-Friendly Items

Children with anxiety often benefit from sensory input to help regulate their emotions. Items like weighted blankets, stuffed animals, and fidget toys are great options. Consider incorporating the following sensory tools:

  • Weighted blanket or lap pad: Helps apply gentle pressure to calm nerves.
  • Fidget toys or stress balls: To release nervous energy.
  • Noise-cancelling headphones: To block out overwhelming sounds.
  • Soothing lighting: Soft, dimmable, or string lights can create a cozy ambiance.

Resource: Weighted Blankets: What the Research Says – Research shows that weighted blankets can provide a sense of calm and security.

Incorporate Mindfulness Tools

Introducing mindfulness and relaxation techniques can be beneficial. Items like a small sand tray, a journal for writing or drawing feelings, or breathing cards (visual reminders of breathing techniques) can help children self-soothe.

Expert Insight: Dr. Lawrence Shapiro, a child psychologist specializing in anxiety, suggests introducing relaxation exercises that your child can practice in the calm corner. These could include deep breathing or guided meditation through apps like Headspace or Calm.

Encourage Emotional Expression

Providing a range of tools to express emotions helps children work through their anxiety. Coloring books, sketchpads, or a journal where children can write or draw about their feelings can be beneficial. For younger children, emotion cards or stuffed toys representing different emotions can help them identify and express their feelings.
Expert Tip: Clinical social worker Lynn Lyons says allowing children to safely express their emotions without judgment is critical. Offer a variety of tools that appeal to their preferences.
Resource: Sensory Goods for various sensory-friendly products, such as weighted blankets, sensory toys, and more.

Set Up Visual Cues for Calming Strategies

It’s helpful to include visual reminders for calming strategies. You can print simple instructions or reminders on breathing techniques, grounding exercises, or how to use the space when anxious. These visual cues guide the child to engage in self-soothing behavior when they might be too overwhelmed to remember independently.

Resource: Zones of Regulation offers resources to help children identify and regulate their emotions.

Add Nature Elements

Bringing elements of nature into your calm corner can further promote relaxation. Plants, water features (like a small tabletop fountain), or a natural sound machine can all create a peaceful atmosphere. Nature reduces stress and anxiety in children and adults alike.
Expert Insight: A study by the American Psychological Association shows that exposure to nature can lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone. Even small elements like plants can make a big difference.

Teach Your Child How to Use the Calm Corner

A calm corner only works if your child knows how and when to use it. Explain that the space is available whenever they feel overwhelmed, upset, or anxious. Allow them to personalize the area with their favorite calming objects to help them feel a sense of ownership over the space.

Resource: Child Mind Institute has useful articles on teaching coping skills for managing anxiety. 

Sensory-friendly spaces tailored to your child’s needs provide a safe refuge where they can reset, regulate, and feel in control. At the Broach School, we understand the challenges of anxiety, and our teachers and staff are experienced and equipped to help your child succeed.

With scholarships up to $9,400, your child can receive the education they deserve without undue financial stress on the family. Call 904-637-0300 or schedule a tour to answer your questions or discuss your child’s education plan.