Life can be busy and overwhelming for all of us, and especially so for our children. They sometimes experience big emotions, sensory overload, or have difficulty winding down after a full day of school demands and activities. For many families, especially those with children who have additional needs, creating a calming sensory space can be one way of supporting their children’s emotional regulation and wellbeing.
This doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive – it is about giving children a safe, predictable retreat where they can regulate their emotions, self-soothe and reset.
In this blog we will explore what a sensory or calming space is, the benefits, what to include and some tips for creating your own space at home.
What is a sensory or calming space?
A sensory or calming space is a designated area that can be used to support children’s emotional and sensory needs. It is a safe haven where children can step away from overwhelming situations, quiet their minds and take time to reconnect and regulate.
Every calming or sensory space will look different. It may be a cosy corner with soft cushions and dim lighting, or it could be a place with different sensory resources such as fidgets, sensory lights and weighted blankets. The aim is to create a space tailored and personalised to your child’s unique needs.
Why are calming spaces so important for children?
Children often experience the world in a very intense way. Busy environments, loud noises, bright lights, or simply the demands of a school day can sometimes feel overwhelming.
Having a sensory-friendly space at home can offer many benefits and can be used to support children at different times of the day. Here are a few of the different ways:
Reducing sensory overload
Many children, especially those with sensory processing challenges, ADHD or autism can feel overwhelmed when there is lots of noise, bright lights and busy environments. Children could access their calming space when they need to retreat, regulate and reset.
A place to regulate big emotions
Children are still learning how to manage their big emotions. A calming space gives them a physical place alongside resources to pause, breathe, process or talk about their feelings. When emotions are running high and children might be feeling for example angry, frustrated, or sad, they can use their space to take some time out.
Routines and transitions
Different times of the day can be particularly challenging for different children. For example, some children may come home from school full of anxiety and need time to calm and regulate, and some may need to calm ahead of the bedtime routine. A sensory space can be used within the daily routine to proactively support these transitions and prepare children.
Developing their emotional regulation strategies
A sensory or calming space can also offer a place to proactively learn about emotional regulation strategies when calm. You can talk about what helps them, how they can reset and what they need, in a place they feel safe and that offers privacy from the busy demands of a home.
Building independence
When children have access to a calming space, they can begin to make their own choices about when they need to access and use the space. This builds self-awareness and independence in managing their emotions.
What to include in a sensory or calming space?
Every child is different and their emotional and sensory needs will be different too. So, it’s important to tailor the space to their individual preferences. You don’t need a whole room or expensive equipment to create your own calming space. Focus on aiming to engage all of the different senses in ways that promote comfort, safety and calm.
You might want to consider some of these areas/aspects – but you don’t have to include them all if they are not right for your child.
- Furniture/Soft furnishings – Think about furnishings that can make the space comfortable such as cushions, bean bags, or rugs. Also consider baskets or boxes for storing your calming resources in.
- Lighting – Soft, gentle lighting can help to set the mood. Children might love colour-changing mood lights, fibre optic tails, or light up bubble tubes. Using lights that children can dim or turn off completely can be useful so that children can control depending on their needs that day.
- Tactile – Many children find reassurance in touch. Consider objects such as weighted blankets, soft cushions, tactile fidgets to bring in different textures.
- Weighted resources – Some children really like the gentle pressure that a weighted blanket or weighted object offers. They can help to calm our sensory systems and can offer that “hug-like” comfort.
- Sounds – Some children find different sounds very calming. This could be gentle music, calming white noise or objects that can be used to make sounds such as shakers or rollers.
- Visual – Consider the visual aspects of the space. For some ‘sensory seekers’, bright colours and lots to look is important, and for others more ‘sensory avoiders’ they might need a neutral, minimalist space with the option to include items when they want.
- Movement – Sometimes children need to release energy before they can relax. Simple tools like a wobble cushion, seat wedge, or resources for spinning can help them move in a safe and calming way.
- Smells – Scent can be a powerful tool for relaxation. Think about if there are ways to bring in preferred and/or calming smells to the space.
- Focus Activities – Activities like sensory sand, water play, or tactile trays give children something peaceful to focus on, helping them feel grounded and present.
Creating your own sensory or calming space
- Choose your location
Pick a space in your home that is relatively quiet and could offer some privacy and calm. This might be a corner in a room, or you could use a pop-up sensory tent. If space is challenging, create a ‘calming basket’ of resources which could be used anywhere in the home and moved around easily.
- Define and setup the area
Help your child to recognise that this is a special place for them. You might want to add:
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- A rug, canopy, curtains or divider to section the space.
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- Comfortable seating and soft furnishings such as cushions or blankets.
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- Storage for calming resources.
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- Calming or soothing lighting options.
Personalise the space
Ask your child what makes them feel safe and calm. Involve them in choosing the resources they want and need to help them. Consider their specific sensory needs and what helps them to regulate.
- Keep it tidy
Too many items can be overwhelming so think about how to keep it a calming and relaxing space.
- Practice together
When calm, show your child how to use the space and tools. For example, practising deep breathing with a glitter jar, or listening to calming music together.
- Adjust as they grow
Your child’s needs with change over time as they grow. Keep evolving and adapting the space to match their changing sensory and emotional needs.
A final thought
Every child deserves a space where they can feel calm, safe, and understood. With the right resources, families can create a little sanctuary of comfort within their own homes.
Support from TTS
TTS have spent years creating resources that not only support learning but also help children’s wellbeing. From lighting and weighted resources to mindful activities and tactile tools, everything is designed to be easy to use at home and genuinely make a difference.
This article has been written by TTS in-house expert, Catherine Jewkes
Catherine is a former teacher, senior leader and qualified SENCo, having taught across many different year groups from Nursery to Year 6. She has also worked for a Local Authority leading and supporting a locality of over 70 mainstream and specialist settings from nurseries through to colleges, helping to develop and implement provision for their learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
