Balancing the Bucket in Calming Spaces
Sometimes we all just need a break. We seek out a space that is quiet and inviting. We often emerge feeling better, centered, balanced. This space allowed us to balance out our bucket in one way or another. When children are overwhelmed by sensory information, they may need a similar break from activity and sensory input to help balance their sensory bucket.
I encourage most parents to have a spot in their home for calming. The idea is a place where people who live there can have their big emotions or work through sensory overload in a safe way. Some great things to have are soft animals, blankets and pillows. These can be hugged, thrown, crashed into and punched without anyone getting hurt or furniture destroyed. Ideally this space is safe, private and easily accessible for the person who is using it. Here are some pictures of calming spaces created by some of my very talented colleagues.
As adults we can also model using this strategy similarly to the way discussed in the post on music. “I am so frustrated. I am going to go lay in my pillows to calm down.” “I am going to go sit in my tent while I am calming down.” Remember that younger children and children with sensory differences can be very concrete thinkers. The behaviors you want to see are the behaviors you should model.
Older children might do well with activities for coloring or reading in their calm down corner. Puzzles and sensory bins to dig in can also provide some calming input. Some families keep a box of fidgets or calm down tools near their calm down area so the child knows where to find things like chewy tubes, vibrating massagers, pop tubes and favorite stuffed animals.
For those who find outdoors especially calming, creating a space in the back yard or on a screened in porch might be helpful. Rocking chairs or porch swings can often be a sources of calming linear movement. If your child like deep pressure and the outdoors, patio furniture cushions can often be used to sandwich around them and help provide the calming input they are looking for. A hammock is another fun option for calming. You can purchase a hammock or use a bed sheet and your kitchen table to create one.
Our preferences for calming spaces are as unique as our preferences for music. Have your child help choose the items that help them feel calm and work together to build a comfy, safe space that he or she can visit when it's time to take a break. Where do you go to calm down? Describe it in the comments and don't forget to like and share!
