Calm Down Time

Since I spoke about our calm down box in my latest post, I figured I would write a quick post on our calm down box which has been very successful with Wilson thus far. I keep all his special activities in plastic shoe boxes. These used to hold my epic collection of hot shoes. Now, they hold toddler activities. Oh, how life has changed...

We bought a cheap bean bag for him to relax in if he likes during calm down time. It's comfy and meets some of his tactile and auditory sensory needs.

This book, part of a Toddler Tools series, is amazing. It is rhythmic, fun for kids to look at, describes emotions and cool-down techniques. It is developmentally appropriate and gives parent tips at the end as well. Wilson's favorite part is "One...Two...Three... I'm taking care of me!" I sit with Wilson during calm down time and offer support if he wants it. Usually, he likes me to read this book to him a few times. But sometimes, he looks through it himself and does his breathing on his own.

These puffer balls are great! You can squeeze them, feel them, touch them to your skin. Wilson likes to hold them to his neck and push them together. Also another sensory-based toy that helps refocus.

This is something even I love to play with - it's called a Tangle Jr. You can pull it, twist it and make different shapes and tangles. This one is a fuzzy one, which adds to the sensory experience.

I also have a stress ball in the kit to help alleviate frustration and get rid of angry energy. I taught him to "sqqquuuueeeeeeezzzzzze" it emphatically, using his whole body. He loves this, says 'squeeze it' very dramatically and giggles.

A calm down bottle made with sparklies and glitter glue (I bought mine because I'm not crafty!!) is a nice addition. It provides visual stimulation that visualize calming down. Wilson likes to shake it up, then watch it quietly as the glitter moves slowly.

I included a few "pop toobs". These are just plastic toys that you can pull apart and push together and they make noise. Gives some attention to the auditory senses and allows their hands to be busy with something. Pushing it together and then pulling it out again seems to be very satisfying for Wilson!

I put a few pinwheels in this kit. I have him take a deep breath in, then blow on the front of the pinwheel to make it twirl. He loves watching it and is taking important deep breaths meanwhile, which help him calm.

Some colorful feathers allow him some sensory tactile input, but also can be blown on to practice breathing as well!

I put some lavender oil on these silk flowers and taught him how to smell the flowers deeply through his nose, then let out a deep sigh. The lavender oil helps relaxation and he is doing deep cleansing breaths without knowing it!




My pinterest board on my Calm Down Corner has links on where I bought everything (very cheaply I might add!). After he is feeling better, we will pick up all the toys and put them back in the box. I keep it out of his reach, but he can ask for it anytime and I always offer it to him when he starts to get upset. It's amazing to watch him start to struggle with his emotions, then quickly run over to calm down time to reset and get control of his emotions: A bonding experience that is empowering for both of us with no power struggles.

 Follow Misty's board Calm Down Corner on Pinterest.