Calm Corner
Here's What To Do
With your child(ren), brainstorm some actions that help them calm down when they're upset. Some ideas:
- Rainbow breath (arms up on the inhale, down on the exhale)
- Counting to 5
- Hugging a stuffed animal
- Playing with blocks
- Reading a book
- Hugging a parent
- Listening to music
- Drinking water
- (whatever makes sense for your child!)
On a piece of paper or index cards, help your child draw simple pictures to represent each choice.
Choose a spot in your home where you can hang the pictures at your child's eye level. It can be your child's "Calm Corner" or "Calm Spot."
When your child is calm, practice pointing to the pictures and doing the calming strategies. The next time they need a calming break, direct them to the pictures and help them choose something to do.
Put PEER Into Action
Pause:
- When your child is upset, try to pause and help them use the Calm Corner.
Engage:
- "Can you think of something that helps you feel better when you're upset?"
- "I can see that you're having really big feelings right now. Let's go to the Calm Corner and see if we can find something to help you."
Encourage:
- "I'm going to pick something from the Calm Corner right now for myself, please come over and join me when you're ready."
- "It seems like you're having a hard time choosing a calm strategy right now, let's practice it another time when your feelings aren't so big."
Reflect:
- Is your child able to practice a strategy from the Calm Corner to help them calm down?
Not quite ready?
Help your child identify one strategy that might help calm them, and practice that strategy when they're upset.
Ready for more?
See if you can encourage your child to use the Calm Corner strategies without your guidance.
As your child masters this skill...
They will understand and use coping strategies for strong emotions.