[Ad] Discover the benefits of a calm down box for your children when they’re feeling stressed, anxious, or otherwise dysregulated. Plus the best items to include to promote better self-regulation and resilience.
Creating a Calm Down Box With Wicked Uncle
If you’ve heard of Wicked Uncle, then you’ll likely be aware that they feature some pretty cool toys, covering a wide variety of interests.
There’s something for everyone, and I especially love that the crossover between ‘boys’ and ‘girls’ toys is broad. Of course, all toys are for all children, yet I understand that having these categories does make shopping a little easier at times. The Wicked Uncle approach strikes this balance flawlessly.
But today I wanted to draw your attention to the fact that Wicked Uncle also stock the perfect items to be used in a calm down box, something which I think all children could benefit from. (Adults too probably!)
Wicked Uncle has lots of choice for filling your child’s calm down box!
What is a Calm Down Box?
A calm down box, sometimes also referred to a calm down kit, is essentially a place your child can keep all of their favourite items for when they’re experiencing dysregulation. Often these will be focused around sensory activities.
Since dysregulation refers to intense and irrational emotions in context of the situation which triggered them, soothing the senses when they’re in a state of overexcitement is a vital component of self-regulation.
The idea is that when your child is struggling with big feelings and needs support to cool off and feel calmer, they can reach for their box which will be filled with ideal items. They might include toys which promote mindfulness, or sensory-soothing activities, or anything else that will induce more settled feelings.
And Wicked Uncle has an impressively wide choice of ideas for filling your little one’s calm down box!
What Items Should You Include in a Calm Down Kit?
When it comes to thinking about the best items to include, there are a few recommendations to consider…
- The items should be age appropriate,
- Your child should be interested in each item,
- Try to include a variety, with each item focusing on a different sense,
- Items should be suitable for your child to explore independently.
Using these guidelines as a framework for putting together your child’s calm down kit should help to make it a success.
Wicked Uncle Calm Down Box Ideas
Below are some brilliant suggestions of ideal items from Wicked Uncle which are perfect for including in a calm down box. You can check out all of these and more by clicking this link to their cool toys.
Sandscape Moving Sand Art, £15.95
This captivating, moving sand art is perfect for relaxation.
Yoga Cards, £5.95
These 50 cards illustrated with yoga poses for all abilities are the ideal way to rebalance - literally.
Magnetic Floating Globe, £29.95
There’s something almost hypnotising about this alluring, floating globe. With colourful LED backlight and levitating orb which also spins, your child will be truly fascinated!
Jellyfish Tank - Colour Changing Mood Light, £18.95
Realistic jellyfish in a mini colour-changing tank, this unique light is mesmerising.
Perfume Lab, £14.95
Ensure you cover every sense by including this clever kit for your child to create a unique scent to match their mood.
Push-n-Popz Bubble Fidget Toy, £10.95
Bubble fidget toys are a must-have for calm down kits, and this one glows in the dark! Perfect for those children who feel soothed snuggled under their duvet or with the curtains closed.
Create Your Own 3D Van Gogh Dry Clay, £19.95
This dry clay kit provides some of the tension relief that comes from squashing a stress ball, with the added benefit of allowing you to also get creative!
Lights from Anywhere, £14.95
Designed to be a spellbinding magic trick, this illuminating fun is a visual way to gently encourage your child to relax and recalibrate.
Aqua Bluetooth Speaker, £26.95
Ticking both the visual and auditory boxes, these cool speaker features coloured water jets that dance in time with the beat of the music.
Secret Diary Set, £19.95
This fabulous diary includes plenty of blank space for journaling, as well as 44 pages of fun activities, plus stickers, and even a magic pen and light for writing and revealing secret messages!
Little Pack of Optical Illusions - 50 Cards, £5.95
A great tool for distraction from overwhelming feelings, this selection of mind-bending visual tricks will soon divert your child towards feeling calmer.
Ready to fill your little one’s calm down box? Shop for these cool toys and help your child learn to self-regulate.
As they gain some confidence and begin to develop healthy coping strategies, they should become more willing to take their box out independently when they feel the need.