Create a Cozy Corner in Your Home
There is no doubt this has been a stressful year and kids may not understand how the stress is impacting them. It is important that adults find ways to help children cope with everything going on, especially as school begins. There are many resources out there to help you and your family through this time, so where do you start? Here is a simple way to begin. Helping kids make their own cozy corner can give them a consistent and calming place to go when they feel overwhelmed.
Parents and kids can work together to create a space to cool down when emotions run high.
Start by helping your child choose items that they feel will help when they are overwhelmed, upset or angry. Here are some ideas of what to use and what to say.
Cozy pillows, blankets, stuffies
“Hit the pillow, not your brother.”
“You can talk to your stuffy about how you feel.”
Music or an instrument
“Listen to your own special music that no one gets to hear.”
Books, magazines, art supplies
“This special book will be in your cozy corner whenever you need it.”
Bubble wrap, a fidget spinner, Play-Doh
“See how fast you can pop all of these.”
“Mash that Play-Doh as flat as you can.”
Work together to set up your cozy corner.
Talk about what kind of rules should be in place for using the space and how to best use the different items when feeling upset.