How to Create a Calm Down Corner in 5 Easy Steps
Learn how to set up a calm down corner in 5 easy steps using simple, sensory tools and parentings tips for development to help kids build self-regulation skills.
So, what is a calm down corner? And why does this matter to me? If you clicked on this post, you are likely a parent, teacher, or anyone who has spent a lot of time with children, then you know that sensory regulation can be a challenge for many children. This can be especially true of neurodivergent children such as those with Autism Spectrum Disorder or ADHD. For many children with sensory processing challenges, calming down during a sensory meltdown can feel nearly impossible.
And as a parent or caregiver, it is easy to feel helpless when you don’t know what to do in moments like this. That’s where a calm down corner comes in.
As a mom of two and a pediatric occupational therapist, I have witnessed firsthand how powerful a calm down corner can be. In this step-by-step guide, I will walk you through what a calm down corner is, why it matters, and how to easily create a calm down corner in your home.
What is a Calm Down Corner?
Simply put, a calm down corner is a small, quiet space where children can go to regulate and reset when they are feeling overwhelmed, dysregulated, or overstimulated. It is a place where they can go to calm their bodies and manage their emotions independently, without needing much assistance from an adult.
This is so important because it teaches children how to self-regulate, or manage their sensory needs on their own without assistance from others. With time and practice, children can use their calm down corner to learn self-awareness, coping skills, and problem-solving strategies.
It is important to note that a calm down corner is NOT a place of punishment and should not be used as a negative consequence for misbehavior. Calm down corners are designed to help children learn to manage their sensory needs in a positive and supporting way.
While the thought of creating a calm down corner in your home may seem overwhelming, simply follow my step-by-step guide and you will be able to design a calming space in your home that works for your family.
Step-By-Step Guide to Creating a Calm Down Corner at home
Step 1: Clarify the Purpose
As a family, it is important to understand why you want to create a calm down corner in your home. Your “why” will be the baseline for making all other decisions about the space and should frequently be revisited as your family dynamic changes and grows. If you have a neurodivergent child or children, be sure to include them in these conversations as well.
Step 2: Choose the Location
When choosing the location of your calm down corner, look for these things:
- Quiet, low traffic area
- Easily supervised from other rooms in the house
- Can be partially enclosed if needed
- Natural light available
It is important that your child feels safe and secure in this calm down corner, so be mindful of his or her preferences and be open to rearranging furniture if needed to best accommodate the whole family.
Step 3: Gather Supplies
When gathering supplies and materials, be sure to include the basics such as:
- Pillows/Blankets
- Soft light (lamps, string lights, etc.)
- Timer (sand timer, visual countdown timer, etc.)
- Bins/baskets to organize sensory tools
OT Pro Tip: Consider using a floor cushion or beanbag to provide flexible seating options in your calm down corner.
Related Post: Sensory Processing 101: What Every Parents Needs to Know
Step 4: Add Sensory Tools
This step may be one of the most important and fun steps when creating your family’s calm down corner! Sensory tools should be specific to your family; there is no “one size fits all” approach. Consider the unique sensory needs of your family when choosing sensory tools to include in the space. Here is a short list of some common tools that I suggest:
- Fidgets
- Tactiles discs
- Weighted blanket/lap toy
- Chewerly/chewies
- Noise reducing headphones
- Tent/canopy
- Sensory bottle
- Sensory books
OT Pro Tip: If you’re not sure what your children’s sensory preferences are, see my post Sensory Processing 101
Step 5: Set Expectations
As a family, develop some simple expectations for those that will be using the calm down corner. These could include things such as:
- When to use vs. when NOT to use
- How long to stay in the calm down corner
- How to appropriately use the tools and materials
- What to do when it is time to leave the calm down corner
Being clear on the expectations from the beginning can help alleviate conflicts and meltdowns later on.
OT Pro Tip: Write or type your family’s expectations and post it in a nearby location for a constant visual reminder
Now You’re Calm Down Corner is open
After you have gathered your materials, designed the space, and developed simple rules and expectations, you are ready to utilize your calm down corner as a family. At the beginning, you may need to give your child more support on how to use the space appropriately, reminding them of the expectations throughout their time in the space. Every child is different, and learning new expectations can take time, so be patient. With practice and repetition, your children will become more familiar with the space and will learn how to use it in a way that regulates them each in a unique way.
Things to Remember
As a pediatric occupational therapist, I have helped design numerous calm down corners in many schools and homes throughout my career. When training parents and teachers, I always share some tips to help set them up for success in their new space. So here are a few important things to keep in mind to make your space truly successful:
- Practice during times of calm: Review the rules and expectations of the calm down corner when every is regulated and most attentive
- Keep it fresh: Establish a simple cleaning and tool rotation routine so that your calming corner is always tidy and engaging
- Give it time: Introducing a new sensory routine will come with challenges, so don’t be discouraged if your children aren’t using the space immediately; continue to make it available and they will acclimate to the space with time
- Don’t overdo it: Be careful not to clutter the space with too many sensory objects or visuals at once. Instead, keep it simple by providing only the sensory tools that work for your family and replacing them when needed.
Creating a calm down corner doesn’t have to be overwhelming and it can be one of the most powerful things you can do to help your child learn essential self-regulation skills that they will need for the rest of their lives.
