Creating a Calm Space

Good morning! Today's focus is about creating a space in your home that can be used as a calm space for your child. This space is reserved for times when your child is feeling those big emotions and may need more support in order to regulate those feelings. 

Create an environment that is both calming and comfortable. It is often suggested to find a corner of a room and fill it with pillows, blankets, and toys that a child can use to focus on while they are coping with their frustration, sadness, or any other big feeling. 

In our space at school, we use the cube. 

It's a small define space in which the kids can crawl into and get comfortable- if they choose. The space you can create in your home is a place they can choose to go to. It is meant as an invitation, and not a punishment. Have your child help create the space in hopes to make it a place they choose to go to when feeling upset. 

The video below gives two breathing examples you can practice with your child. It is important to note that these breathing techniques should be practiced before a child is in crisis. Try breathing along with me! As your child practices you can tell them how calm they are while they are breathing, reinforcing the appropriate behavior. 

Have a great Tuesday and don't forget to celebrate something you did today!