Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Creating calm for kids with big feelings
13
items Have a kid with big feelings? My toddler has the biggest heart (and reactions) and these things have helped us create a better environment and even helped me understand their emotions better.
Sections
5
Books
Non Verbal Assistance
Toys (but helpful)
Learning Materials
Calm Corner
Books
Reading can be a great way to spend time together and model coping mechanisms and self regulation without a child feeling defensive.
(Amazon Affiliate Link) This book is amazing if you have a little one who turns into a stompy grump when a single thing goes wrong, we have the board book version to protect it from toddler tantrums
The Stompysaurus: A DinoFeelings Book
Such a good little book to teach emotions and how to handle them (but my toddler now thinks his rubber ducks might be angry so watch out for that)
Happy Hippo, Angry Duck: A Book of Moods
Great book of helpful mantras to empower kids (and adults if we're being honest)
Books - I Can Handle It (Mindful Mantras)
Non Verbal Assistance
For british sign language - it can be helpful to attach a sign to the name of emotions to give little hands something productive to do and a way to communicate if they can't get their words out.
Let's Sign BSL Feelings & Emotions Flashcards
Learning the signs for emotions can be helpful for little hands if they struggle to get their words out!
How to sign Feelings in American Sign Language (ASL)
Toys (but helpful)
A nice heavy stuffed animal can provide deep pressure and help to calm kids and help them to leave the fight or flight state.
Weighted Stuffed Animals
Blowing bubbles is a great way to feel in control of your body, this one is great as it stops back flow and makes plenty of bubbles so it's very satisfying!
Innobaby Spike Bubble Blower with 4 oz Bubble Solution and Dipping Tray
A great toy to help identify emotions, and once you can figure out what you're feeling you can figure out how to feel better.
Educational Insights My Feelings Bean Bags
Learning Materials
Zones of regualtion is a great framework to help little ones to learn to identify their emotions and can be helpful as they get older too
Free Zones of Regulation Resources
A physical way to recognise and talk about emotions has been very helpful for my kids and they both often tell me when they feel blue now rather than making me guess how they feel or what they need.
Zones of Regulation Keychain
Calm Corner
A lovely soft blanket is the basis of a good calm corner, it's comforting, kids can hide under it, snuggle into it and find their calm
Cosy Blankets | Soft, Reversible, Machine Washable Options
Some calm corner printables can help to make it clear the purpose of the space and provide some regulation suggestions
Calm Corner Resource Pack
A pillow can make the space cozy and one with a dedicated breathing instruction can be useful, especially one that will appeal to your child specifically.
Breathing Pillow - Etsy UK