the best activities for your cub’s calm corner

A ‘calm corner’ is a private space in the house designed to emotionally support your cub if they are feeling overwhelmed with big emotions or need to take a moment to be mindful. It should be a quiet space where they can feel safe to express and process their feelings.

 Calm corners are a holistic way to teach your cub self-regulation and relationship skills. It should help them learn the skills they need to identify their emotions, practise mindfulness and communicate the way they feel in a healthy way. This strengthens their communication skills, resilience, and ability to empathise with others and foster meaningful relationships.

Tips:

• Keep the space minimal and practical. Only fill it with items that will support their emotional development.

• Add something plush for your cub to sit on, lay with or cuddle. This helps calm their nervous system and provides them with a feeling of safety and security. For example, a soft rug, bean bag chair, ottoman, cushions, fluffy toy or a weighted blanket.

• Add some calming artwork to your space such as a yoga pose poster, nature landscapes or happy family photos.

• Sensory toys such as a calm down bottle, fidget toys, weighted fluffy toys or blankets, wobble board, play dough, a breathing ball etc, can help deescalate emotions and calm the nervous system.

• Model using the space too! When you are feeling overwhelmed with big emotions, you can show your cub how to utilise the space.

• Don’t use it as a “time out” or for punishment – there shouldn’t be any negative associations connected  to their calm corner. You can suggest and encourage your cub to spend some time in the space when you recognise they may need it. The goal is that eventually they choose to go there on their own in order to self-regulate and calm down.