How to Create a Calm Down Kit

By sandra.caplesc…, 17 November, 2021
Arts and crafts.

Children are not born knowing how to cope with the world around them. They are bombarded with many sensory stimuli from the moment they come into this world, so it’s no wonder that kids become easily agitated, upset, or even energized. That’s why we see so many children throw tantrums in the middle of the supermarket. Many children (and even adults) struggle with regulating emotions. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder experience this the most.

Self-regulation is the ability to manage emotions and behavior in a way that matches the given situation. Children with autism can’t do that and are overwhelmed by bright lights, loud sounds, or crowded places. Self-regulation includes resisting highly emotional reactions, handling your frustration, and calming yourself down. It’s a skill autistic children should develop during elementary school, but sometimes they need a little push in the right direction.

As a parent, you live for your child’s happiness. You are hard-wired to respond to your little one’s cries with efforts to comfort and soothe. So it’s frustrating when you can’t calm your child down, and he spirals into a meltdown.

You wonder: "What can help?” The answer is a calm down kit.

What Is a Calm Down Kit?

A calm down kit is a collection of objects and items that help kids cope with their emotions positively and safely. They are known as sensory integration boxes or toolkits, and each looks different. The creation of a calm down kit depends on the needs and interests of your child—and each child is unique. There are many pre-assembled kits online, but yours should contain the magical ingredient that comforts your child, an object your little one loves. These premade kits often don’t take into account things like age or sensory needs.

You can use these items (food and toys) once the meltdown has begun to distract your child or lessen the meltdown's impact. However, you can use it anytime you want, and practicing using a calm down kit during downtimes will help your child learn to use it when in distress. These kits can make all the difference in stressful situations.

What to Include in Your Kit

First of all, as a parent, you know your child best. Ask yourself this:

  • What soothes my child when restless?
  • What usually calms my child down?
  • What does my child like to do?
  • What are my child’s favorite items?

By answering these questions, you can start gathering an assortment of objects your child loves. You can find items that stimulate various senses, such as sight, sound, touch, and taste. It all depends on what your child likes. You can also give your child a sense of control by letting them choose the items they want. The more the child customizes the kit, it will become a part of your child’s routine.

Here are some ideas (and beware, the list is long!) of what items you can include in your calm down kit:

  • A weighted blanket to keep your child still (must respond well to deep pressure receptors)
  • Fidget toys that can occupy their fingers
  • Noise-canceling headphones for peace and quiet
  • Bubbles for encouraging deep breathing
  • Chew toys for managing feelings of anxiety and sensory overload
  • A stress ball to squeeze and release anger
  • A bag of kinetic sand for tactile stimulation
  • Printable calm down cards
  • Sensory bottles for a visual distraction
  • Books to read and leaf through
  • Calming music to help the child relax
  • A sensory sox, a cocoon your child can wear to calm down
  • A tunnel to crawl into if your child likes to hide in small spaces
  • Chew necklace to help the child focus
  • A cute stuffed animal for your kid to hold
  • Stretchy string for fun tactile stimulation
  • Essential oils for stimulating the olfactory system
  • Light up toys or talking toys

How to Use the Kit

After you've gathered your items, place them in a backpack or cloth bag. This way, it's easier to take the kit with you wherever you go. Once the sensory meltdown starts, you can use the items in the bag to refocus your child's attention. The kit's goal is to give children the tools they need to reach an inner state of calm. Also, if you are making a mobile kit, make sure it's easy to conceal and light. Stick only with your child's favorites.

Can I Buy a Sensory Kit?

Absolutely. You can collect the items individually to build your own kit, or you can buy them online. Like we've mentioned, premade packages do not cater to your child's unique needs, and you can't customize them, so make sure you want to do this. Also, they might be a bit expensive.

Create Your Calm Down Kit Today

Creating a calm down kit is not rocket science, but it's a fun activity. When you involve your child with autism, it's even better. A calm down kit is an essential tool for any child learning to manage their emotions. It's also a crucial tool for kids with sensory sensitivity because it's hard to live independently without learning to cope with overwhelming experiences. The toolkit can guide the child through tantrums, panic attacks, disturbing thoughts, and fickle moods.

Collecting the items you need for your kit requires a process of elimination. While some things on the list work wonders on some kids, they might not be suitable for your little bundle of joy. Believe in yourself. You know your child's needs better than anyone else.