How To Set Up A Calm Down Corner For Toddlers At Home: A Guide For Parents

Picture this: It’s a beautiful afternoon at home. Your toddler is playing nicely with his blocks, using his imagination to build a really tall tower. As he goes to put the last block in place, the doorbell rings, causing your dog to run past your child and accidentally knock down his tower. Uh oh. You know what’s coming next… tears, tears, and more tears. 

Now, this isn’t always cause for a meltdown. But you know how sometimes your child just has those days where your typical emotional regulation strategies just don’t cut it? We can teach our kids to take deep breaths, but sometimes they just need more support. Sometimes they need access to a calm down corner. 

What Is a Calm Down Corner For Toddlers?

A calm down corner is a safe, cozy spot in your home where your child can go when they’re feeling upset, frustrated, or overwhelmed. It’s not a place for punishment - far from it! 

A calm down corner for toddlers is a peaceful space filled with calming activities and sensory items that help your child slow down, breathe, and process their emotions.

Why Set Up a Calm Down Corner For Toddlers?

You know those times when your child gets so worked up, that your usual techniques don’t seem to cut it? A calm down corner for toddlers gives your child a dedicated spot to go when they need a little more support than usual. It helps them learn how to handle big feelings in a healthy way, without needing to lash out or shut down.

Over time, your child will start to recognize when they need a break and they will use their calm down corner to reset on their own (that’s the dream, isn’t it?). This builds emotional intelligence, helping them handle tough moments more independently as they grow. 

And let’s be honest, it’s a win for parents too - knowing that your child has a supportive space for managing their emotions can make all the difference on those rough days.

For some of you reading this, it might sound too good to be true. You might even be thinking, “that sounds nice, but it won’t work on my kid.” But truly, a calm down corner is an absolute game-changer for all kids, because who doesn’t need a little extra support now and then? If you’re willing to give it a try, I know you’ll see big changes over time. 

How to Create a Calm Down Corner For Toddlers at Home

You don’t need a ton of space or fancy equipment to set up a calm down corner. Here’s how you can easily create one:

Step 1. Pick the Perfect Spot: Find a quiet corner that feels comfortable and free from distractions. It could be a corner in your child’s room, a nook in the living room, or even a cozy spot under the stairs. The key is to make sure it feels safe and inviting.

Step 2. Add Sensory-Friendly Items: Now, let’s make this space calming! Think about adding soft textures, soothing sounds, and items that help your child relax. Here are a few ideas to get started:

• Soft pillows or blankets to snuggle into

• Stress balls or fidget toys

• Noise-canceling headphones or calming music

• Sensory bottles with glitter or water for a visual distraction

• Picture books that teach mindfulness or focus on feelings

The goal is to create a little oasis where your child feels physically comfortable and has tools to help them calm down.

Step 3. Include Visual Cues: Kids sometimes need a little extra help understanding what they’re feeling. You can add things like emotion charts, where they can point to the face that matches their mood, or simple posters that guide them through breathing exercises. Grab the posters that you see in these photographs here. 

Step 4. Introduce It During Calm Moments: Now you need to teach your child how to use the calm down corner! You can’t just send them over to it when they’re already in the middle of a meltdown. The goal is to introduce all of the items in the calm down corner, and really show your child how the items can help. This might take a lot of modeling and practice, so try to be patient! 

How a Calm Down Corner Helps Children with Autism

If you have a child with special needs, such as autism, you know how overwhelming everyday sensory input can be. Bright lights, loud noises, and unpleasant textures can cause a big problem for children with autism. Having a calm down corner gives them a consistent, soothing place to retreat when things get too intense.

Additionally, many children with autism struggle with emotional regulation. A calm down corner offers a retreat where they can decompress and find comfort in sensory-friendly items like weighted blankets or textured toys. Over time, this space can help them develop independence in managing their emotions, reducing the frequency of meltdowns. Learn more about how to support children with autism here. 

3 Bonus Tips for Supporting Emotional Regulation at Home

While a calm down corner for toddlers is a fantastic tool, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Here are some additional strategies to help your child build emotional regulation skills:

1. Model Calm Behavior: Children often mimic what they see (some of us parents know this a little too well). When you’re feeling stressed, show your child how you calm yourself down - whether it’s through deep breathing, stretching, or taking a quiet moment. It’s a great way to show them that managing emotions is part of everyday life.

2. Practice Mindfulness Together: Make mindfulness part of your routine! Try doing simple breathing exercises, yoga, or even nature walks together. These activities help your child learn how to be present in the moment and can be a fun way to connect. Looking for ready-to-use mindfulness resources? Check out these activity cards!

3. Create Emotional Check-In Routines: Build emotional awareness by checking in with your child about their feelings regularly. Whether it’s at bedtime or after school, ask how they’re feeling and talk about it. This practice helps them recognize and articulate their emotions before things escalate.

Ready To Set Up Your Calm Down Corner For Toddlers?

I hope this post helped you understand the value of a calm down corner for toddlers in your home and how you can create one. As parents, I believe we have the duty to provide our children with the very best emotional development support that we can. 

I’ve created these resources to help make your calm down corner simple and effective!

1. Calm Down Corner Posters - 12 Pack

2. Grounding Cards - 32 Pack

3. Yoga Cards - 30 Pack

4. Breathing Cards - 30 Pack

Grab Your Social-Emotional Learning FREEBIE:

More Resources To Support You:

1. How To Teach Kids Emotional Regulation Skills

2. How To Create Calm Down Kits For The Classroom

3. Simple Mindfulness Activities For Kids That You Can Do Right Now