Creating a Calming Box: A Powerful Tool for Emotional Regulation in Children

Life can sometimes be overwhelming, especially for children who are still learning how to handle their emotions. Many children struggle with emotional regulation due to various factors, such as developmental delays, environmental stressors, or simply the challenges of growing up. For instance, a sudden change in routine, conflicts with friends, or difficulty in understanding a new concept at school can cause distress.
In these instances, having a strategy to help children regain control of their emotions can be incredibly beneficial. This is where a "calming box" or "calm down kit" comes in.

​What is a Calming Box?

A calming box is a simple yet powerful tool designed to help children manage their emotions during stressful moments. It's a container filled with items that can soothe, distract, and provide a sense of comfort and security. The goal is to divert a child's attention away from a distressing situation and towards something calming, helping them to relax and regain emotional balance. Below is a photo of our calming box.

What's Inside a Calming Box?

The contents of a calming box can vary depending on the child's age, interests, and what they find soothing. However, here are some universal items that you might consider including:

1. Stress Balls or Fidget Toys: These can help channel nervous energy. In our box we included items like squishy toys, pop-its, and fidget spinners.
2. Scented Play Dough or Slime: Engaging the senses can have a calming effect. Tip: If you choose to add slime to your box, make sure it isn't the messy loose type that will go everywhere. 
3. Coloring Books and Crayons: Coloring can be a relaxing activity. Print off some pages or add a couple of coloring books of interest. 
4. Soft Blanket or Stuffed Animal: These provide physical comfort. 
5. Picture Books or Puzzles: These can distract and engage the mind in a positive way. I added some water toys that are simple and easy to play that also work well as a distraction. 
6. Emotions Chart or Cards: You can add some cards or a chart describing different emotions. I LOVE the flip chart I found at Kmart because it also includes steps to take to help deal with the emotion chosen. 

I bought these amazing sensory items from places such as Kmart, Amazon and other random stores to add to our box. There's lots around if you keep an eye out. 

How to Make a Calming Box 

Creating a calming box is a simple process. Find a sturdy box or container and let your child decorate it to make it more personal and inviting. Then, gather the items your child finds calming and place them inside. You could source these items from local stores or online platforms like Amazon. Keep in mind that the most effective calming boxes are those tailored to the child's unique preferences. If creating for a classroom, ensure there is a variety of options so that something will likely appeal to your students. 

Introducing the Calming Box to Children 

Introduce the calming box to your child during a calm moment, not in the midst of a meltdown. Explain its purpose and how to use each item. Role-play scenarios where they might need to use the box, and encourage them to reach for it when they start to feel overwhelmed. Remember, the goal is not to suppress their feelings but to give them tools to manage their emotions healthily.
In summary, a calming box can be a valuable tool for helping children learn to regulate their emotions. Whether you're a parent seeking to ease bedtime tantrums or a teacher wanting to diffuse classroom disruptions, a calming box might just be the solution you're looking for. With patience, understanding, and the right set of calming tools, we can empower our children to navigate their world of emotions confidently and calmly.