While parents today may have gotten their fair share of timeouts when they were little, this traditional form of discipline isn't always the best option. Of course, there are alternatives to timeouts, like redirecting behavior or encouraging children to meditate, but the use of calming corners is on the rise in early-childhood-development circles.
In short, a calming corner — or a calm-down corner — is a dedicated space meant for young children to wind down and process their emotions, whether they're angry, upset, or overstimulated. Designed to help kids regain control over their feelings, these safe spaces can come in many forms and generally contain comforting or soothing materials.
Great for the home or the classroom, calming corners typically include a comfy place to sit, toys that promote relaxation and reflection, as well as books and posters to help children navigate their feelings. Parents who are interested in creating their own calming corner can scroll ahead to get a look at helpful products that will make your little ones find peace amid even the most catastrophic meltdown.
Doesn't this Big Joe Classic 98 Bean Bag ($35) look so inviting? We have a feeling your kiddos will actually enjoy decompressing in this little slice of heaven.
We're kinda vibing with this NK Support Bean Bag Sofa ($37). We're loving the yellow!
Crate & Barrel Adjustable Bean Bag Chair ($149) is available in three colors and can be laid flat.
Parents can score a ton of fun accessories for their children's calming corner thanks to the Time-In ToolKit ($59, originally $69), which provides caregivers with posters, mindfulness cards, and more!
The Feelings Thermometer Poster Bundle ($15) provides parents with PDF versions of a calm-down corner guide, posters, and sheets that help kids work through their feelings.
Get kids recentered by investing in a Playdough Sensory Busy Box ($27), which includes play dough, wooden blocks, glitter foam balls, rocks, and more!
Created by a special-education teacher, the Ready, Set, Calm ($22) kit includes a mini notepad, a pencil, fidget toys, and scented bubbles.
The sweet smell of lavender in this Pinch Me Therapy Dough ($25) will certainly help calm stressed kiddos down.
Chock-full of mindfulness games and activities, Sitting Still Like a Frog Activity Book by Eline Snel ($11) has stickers, crafts, and coloring pages designed to make little ones feel zen.
Leaving out helpful resources in your child's calming corner is key. Start with A Kids Book About Anxiety by Ross Szabo ($20) and build your library from there.
Children can learn how to manage their mindfulness and make good choices by flipping through I Am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness by Susan Verde ($7).