A Calming Area is a quiet area in your home equipped with soothing materials and furnishings to help children, of all ages, calm down and regulate big emotions like stress, anxiety, or sadness. The Calming Area should be cozy and soothing for your child to spend time in. It doesn't have to be fancy, just inviting.

Becoming and remaining calm during big emotions is an important and learned life skill. When we experience these big emotions our amygdala, the part of our brain that moderates our emotions, goes into overdrive. Our pre-frontal cortex, the good decision-making part of our brain is taken over. Our brain activates a fight, flight, or freeze response limiting logic and reasoning. A designated Calming Area provides a safe place to physically and mentally release and regulate big emotions.

It is important to introduce your child to the Calming Area for the first time when they are calm. Discuss the expectations when in the Calming Area and model how to use the tools. This area is neither a play area nor a form of punishment. When your child shows signs of BIG emotions, direct him/her to the Calming Area to re-center their emotions. Your child should be encouraged to use whatever tool they feel will help them best manage their emotions. 

Each child is different and their Calming Area and tools should match their needs. This space should include comforting objects and soothing materials that can promote mindfulness, breathing, and reflection. Below are suggestions: 

The Calming Area Environment:   

• comfy seating (chair, mat, pillows, comfy blanket)
• soothing lighting (string lights, lamp, lantern)
• quiet space with limited distractions (bedroom, common area, desk)

Calming Box Ideas: 

• comfort doll/soft stuffed animal
• bubbles
• mandalas/coloring pages 
• calming glitter jar/virtual glitter jar 
• breathing strategies 
• memory box 
• stress/squishy ball 
• family picture 
• peaceful nature photographs
• yoga/stretches
• relaxing music/zen videos 
• journal 
• mood meter 
• books about emotions 

Always on the go? Create a Travel-Sized Calming Kit that you can keep in your car, purse, or your child's backpack.

SEL Connection 

There are many life-skill benefits to building self-management including: 

• Ability to regulate emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. 
• Managing stress and coping skills. 
• Turning self-awareness and emotions into positive actions.

 CASEL Competencies 

How to Create a Calm Down Area at Home

Explore Samira and Cashis' Calming Boxes:

Samira's Calming Box

Cashis' Calming Box

Yoga Cards / Yoga Videos

Guided Meditation

Breathing/Mindfulness Videos