There are many benefits to having a relaxation corner for your child. A relaxation corner can provide a space for your child to unwind, relax and de-stress. It can be a place for them to go when they feel overwhelmed or anxious. It can also be a place for them to go when they need some time. 

What is a relaxation corner? 

You can set up a relaxation corner for your child in many different ways. You can use a corner of their bedroom, a quiet spot in the living room, or even create a space outdoors. It is important to ensure the area is comfortable and inviting for your child. 

Any dedicated area in your home, ideally quiet and dark, can work for a relaxation corner. Some parents prefer using a tent where they can add some soft pillows and blankets if they don’t have a bigger area they can use. You can also ask your child to choose where they want to set their relaxation corner up. 

Here are some things you may want to include in your child’s relaxation corner: 

• A comfortable chair or bean bag 
• A soft blanket
• A pillow 
• Their favorite stuffed animal 
• A book of their favorite stories 
• A music player or device with calming music 
• A journal and pens 
• Coloring books and crayons 
• A small table and lamp 
• Fresh flowers or a plant 
• A diffuser with essential oils 
• A basket of stress balls 
• Other fidget toys

Why not try listening to some of Moshi’s calming music tracks in their relaxation corner, too? Click here to instantly feel the calm. 

It is important to make sure that your child can use the items independently in a safe manner

A fun outing could be to ask your child to help think of ideas for items for their relaxation corner and then plan a trip to the shops. They can think of their interests and find things that combine them – sensory input and interest. Perhaps a few fidgets in their favorite color or a stress ball with their favorite character on. Another idea to include can be games that they can play that make no sound, like a new puzzle or perhaps a yo-yo. 

Encourage your child to use their relaxation corner when feeling overwhelmed, stressed or anxious

Let them know they can go there to relax and de-stress. Show them how to use the different items in their relaxation corner. Help them to find ways to relax and unwind. A relaxation corner can be an excellent way for your child to learn about self-awareness and self-regulation—Morawska et al. (2019) state the importance of the parental role in developing self-awareness in children. 

Another idea to add to the relaxation corner is a “zones of regulation” chart

This can include different zones of emotional states, such as “frustrated, excited, happy, and tired.” Each zone can be in a different color, and you can ask your child which activities they feel will make them feel “less frustrated” (for example) when they are in the red zone (again, as an example). Your child can then find the activities they have decided will help calm them down, such as a stress ball, sitting on a bean bag, or coloring in a mandala. This way, you are supporting your child even more in becoming more self-aware of the change in their mood and helping them manage this with appropriate and fun coping strategies. 

The most important thing is to have fun with your child in their relaxation corner and model that managing emotions can be a relaxing activity. 

Morawska A, Dittman CK, Rusby JC. Promoting Self-Regulation in Young Children: The Role of Parenting Interventions. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev. 2019 Mar;22(1):43-51. DOI: 10.1007/s10567-019-00281-5. PMID: 30715651.

Karla Pretorius

A registered counselor with a MA in Psychology. Co-founder: AIMS Global & Leadership at: Augmental