Self Soothing Calm Down Corner
Create a cozy corner with soft items where your toddler can go when they feel overwhelmed — teaching early self-regulation skills.
What You'll Need
- 1Soft blanket or cushion
- 2Stuffed animal or comfort object
- 3Sensory bottle or calm-down jar (optional)
What You'll Need
A soft blanket or floor cushion
A stuffed animal or comfort object
A sensory bottle or calm-down jar (optional — a sealed water bottle with glitter works)
How to Play
Pick a quiet corner and create a cozy nest with blankets and cushions.
Add a few comfort items — a beloved stuffed animal, a soft blanket, a sensory bottle.
During a calm, happy moment, introduce the space: "This is your cozy corner!"
Sit together and model taking deep breaths: "Let's breathe in biiiig... and out."
Show them each item: "You can hug teddy when you have big feelings."
Practice going to the corner when things are good, not just during meltdowns.
Next time emotions run high, gently suggest: "Let's go to your cozy corner together."
Why It Works
Toddlers feel emotions intensely but don't yet have tools to manage them. A calm-down corner gives them a physical place to go when feelings get big — and over time, they'll start going there on their own. This isn't a timeout. You're not sending them away as punishment. You're teaching them that when feelings are overwhelming, there are concrete things they can do: hold something soft, take deep breaths, watch the glitter settle. These are real self-regulation strategies in toddler-sized form.
Tips
Always go with your toddler to the corner at first. They need you there to feel safe.
Never use it as punishment. The corner should feel like a warm hug, not a consequence.
Practice deep breaths daily during calm times. The skill has to be learned before it can be used in a crisis.
Keep the space simple. Too many items can be overstimulating — exactly the opposite of what you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 15 min, with 10 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: soft blanket or cushion, stuffed animal or comfort object, sensory bottle or calm-down jar (optional).
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 1-2 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors?
This activity is designed for indoor play, making it perfect for rainy days or when you're staying inside.
How difficult is this activity?
This is an easy activity that requires minimal setup and supervision. Great for busy days or when you need something quick.
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