5 Things You Need in a Calm Box

If you're a friend of mine on instagram, you may be aware that for my little one's birthday last month we created a calm corner in his room. Using a tipi to provide him shelter + the opportunity to shut himself away, we explained that this was a space for him to come to whenever he wants to play or chill.

I appreciate that not everyone has a spare tent for their little one (or indeed, space - ours is quite squashed in!), but having calming resources readily available is very useful, as toddlers + Preschoolers experience transitions + explore their big feelings more.

(READ: have temper tantrums.)

I present to you: the calm box. Or bag. Or basket. Or whatever you have readily available! The benefit of creating creating a resource of calming toys that is not static is that you have the ability to bring calm where ever you go. Toddler struggle on long car journeys? Bring the calm box! Preschooler restless at meal times? Calm basket for you! Little one showing signs of a transporting schema? They will ADORE a basket of fun resources to empty, refill, + move around!

If you're interested in setting up your own calm resource for your little bug, here are the top 5 things I'd recommend:

1. something to blow

2. something to squeeze

3. something to watch

4. something to love

5. something to focus on

Yep, no specific product recommendations here, because YOU know what your child will respond to best. Mine enjoys blowing bubbles, but yours might find windmills or feathers more fun. The point of a clam box is for its toys to be inviting for your toddler to interact with, so make it as specific to them as you can!

Why are these resources so important?

Something to Blow - bubbles, windmills, feathers

(No giggles please!) Toys that little ones can interact with using their breath are key to a good calming resource. Blowing extends exhales + helps little ones naturally deepen their breaths, helping the sympathetic nervous system to reset. Creating bubbles etc provides your toddler with a stimulus + motivates them to continue deep breathing. Of course, you could also use breath maps, but if your little one is verging on an emotional crisis they may not be in the right mindset to visualise independently.

Something to Squeeze - stress ball, squishy, sensory putty

These resources are brilliant for helping little ones release feelings of frustration + anger. Encourage them to squeeze, twist, throw, or even bite (providing it's safe!) can help release the tension that anger brings to little bodies.

Something to Watch - sandtimer, calm jar, snowglobe

Yeah, I don't mean screen time here, although it does have its place. Provide a resource that can give your Preschooler a visual of how they are feeling - emotions all swirled up, but gently settling with time. Encourage them to sit as still as they can, + simply watch the contents settle. If you were a 90's child + loved watching lava lamps like I did, this is the same hypnotic sensation that brings utter calmness.

Something to Love - blanket, cuddly toy

When we know our little ones need help calming, it's natural to want to envelope them in a huge cuddle. But for some toddlers so much physical contact pre/post emotional crisis is just too much. Give them something they can comfort themselves with, + they will come to you when they are ready.

Something to Focus On - fidget toys, crystals

Sometimes our little ones need help calming simply because they're bored! Fidget toys are designed to stimulate little minds, enabling them to refocus their minds away from whatever has been bothering them.

These are just MY ideas, based on what I've used with Preschoolers + my own little ones. You may know that your little one would respond better to a hoberman sphere, or may need the physicality of yoga challenge cards. A massage ball might help your toddler, or some stories. Whatever works for you + your family is correct.

When you first introduce your little one to their calm toys, they will need some adult support to help them get the full benefits, but as they become more familiar you'll be amazed with how independent they can be! Remember, you are empowering your toddler with strategies to help them maintain their emotional wellbeing - this is a priceless, lifelong gift that is needed now more than ever!

Happy calm box making!