Help Your Child Regulate Emotions With A Calming Space
“Frustration, anger, and fear shut down the thinking parts of our brain. When your child is dysregulated, they cannot access the smartest part of the brain until their
emotions are calmed.”
When working with children and adolescents, we often discuss the value of creating a dedicated space in their home where they can calm down and hit the "reset" button when feeling overwhelmed. Many children choose a quiet corner of their room as their designated calm-down space, as it offers privacy from the rest of the household and provides the peace they need to regulate their emotions.
When children are dysregulated, they’re often flooded with intense emotions, making it difficult to stay grounded in the present moment. However, by engaging their five senses, they can redirect their focus and become more attuned to their environment. By tuning into how things smell, look, feel, taste, and sound, their bodies and minds begin to relax and recenter.
To support this sensory engagement, children and adolescents can snuggle with soft pillows and blankets, use calming essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus, and take part in soothing activities like drawing, word searches, or using fidget toys. Noise-cancelling headphones or listening to a favorite playlist can help create a peaceful auditory environment, while ice-cold water and mints can offer refreshing sensory input.
Creating a space that is visually pleasing and filled with relaxing colors, textures, sounds, tastes, and scents helps to calm the nervous system, making children’s behaviors less reactive and emotions more balanced. This sensory-centered approach empowers them to manage overwhelming feelings and fosters emotional regulation in a supportive, comforting environment.