13th – 19th May 2024 is Mental Health Awareness Week so I wanted to get involved by creating something to help our little ones regulate their emotions. I am very conscious that AJ may internalise the idea that he cannot cry or express his emotions because he is a boy. So I’m going to catch him while he’s young and normalise him talking about his feelings.
AJ is two and a half and as a first-time parent, I did not know how such a little man can contain such big feelings! So to help AJ (and myself) navigate these emotions, I’ve set up a calming corner in our home and of course, I’ve used this as another opportunity to increase Cantonese exposure!
What is a calming corner?
A calming corner is a common sight at primary schools. It is a safe place where children can go to calm down and regulate their emotions. Often play tents and beanbags are utilised to make the space feel extra cosy and comfortable to be in. Not only are calming corners just pleasant places to be, they contain sensory activities to support and teach emotional regulation.
To set up your own calming corner, I recommend the following items:
- A comfortable seat – think bean bags, blankets and cushions
- Visuals that teach about feelings and calming strategies (see below!)
- Books – bonus if the books teach about feelings
- Stuffed animals/teddies – both for cosiness and comfort
- Fidget/focus toys – to fulfil your child’s sensory needs
- Calming tools e.g. glitter jars, bubbles
- Headphones/ear defenders – to play calming music or just to block out sound
To keep the space feeling calm, I would avoid electronics, screens and anything that makes a lot of noise.
Calming Corner Printables
To help you get your own calming started, I’ve got three printables that, of course, are chock-a-block with Cantonese.
Printable #1 – Feelings Chart
Print this out and stick it up on the wall. This was a staple of mine when I taught school-aged activities. Even when your child’s feelings are too big to talk about, they can still point to the face which shows how they are feeling. You don’t always need words to express yourself.
Printable #2 – Positive Affirmations Bunting
Print these beautiful phrases out on card and attach them to some string and then you will always know what to say when your little one needs a boost. The day I hear AJ say these phrases to himself, I think my heart will burst with joy. Also, you should check out this post from EdKids Home for more positive affirmations in Cantonese.
Printable #3 – Calming Cards
In AJ’s basket, I printed out these cards that have suggestions for different ways to calm loud feelings. I laminated the cards, hole-punched them in a corner, and joined them with a metal binding ring.
If you would like to find out more about Mental Health Awareness Week and how to support your and your child’s mental health, check out Mind‘s campaign this year #NoMindLeftBehind
I hope you enjoyed my printables. I would love it if you could share photos of your own Cantonese calming corners. You can find me on instagram @mamabearcantonese or you can email mamabearcantonese@gmail.com.
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