Wellbeing Guide: Blog 4 - Safe Spaces and Resources

Childhood is a precious time where the foundations for your child’s learning are laid and important discoveries about themselves and the world around them are made.

That’s why at Bright Horizons, we practise The Nurture Approach; a blend of our research-based holistic learning, alongside our support for children’s emotional wellbeing, all lovingly delivered by the expertise of our dedicated practitioners. And, because we know wellbeing is so important for young children, our Early Childhood Experts have created a series of Wellbeing Guides just for you. Through these guides, you’ll not only gain a deeper understanding of early childhood development, but benefit from expert advice on raising a happy, confident, and emotionally resilient child!

In this guide, our experts shed light on the importance of the ‘Safe Spaces and Resources’, and how you as a parent can provide these for your child…

What Are Safe Spaces and Resources?

A safe space is a designated area where children can go to feel calm and regulate themselves after experiencing heightened emotions. The purpose of this space is to provide an opportunity for your child to communicate safely with you or other caregivers. It’s important to note that this space should be used as a supportive environment and haven for your child, rather than be used as a place to send them on a ‘time-out’ or to reflect on their behaviour (as in, a behaviour management tool).

Safe resources are the tools and items placed within this safe space to help aid calming and emotional regulation. Depending on your child’s age, these resources can vary quite a bit. Keep reading to find a list of these examples…

Safe Spaces and Resources at Home

Your whole home can serve as a safe space for your child, providing them with comfort and security. Co-regulation - when an adult helps a child manage their emotions by offering support and modelling appropriate behaviour - can happen anywhere in the home with an emotionally safe adult, especially when children are very young. For example, snuggling in bed together or taking a walk in the garden can be excellent opportunities for co-regulation.

As children grow into toddlers, they continue to rely on you and other trusted caregivers to help them regulate their emotions through times of distress. Introducing a designated calming space at home can be particularly beneficial for this. Your child’s space might include:

• Cuddly toys and comforters for physical comfort.
• Storybooks to provide distraction and engage their imagination.
• Music to create a soothing atmosphere.
• Sensory resources like soft blankets or textured toys to help them focus and find calm.
• Sorting activities to engage their mind and provide a sense of order.

It’s good to stay with your toddler in this calming space until they return to a sense of safety and security. Your presence not only reassures them, but also reinforces the idea that they’re not alone in managing their emotions.

You can also consider incorporating elements that reflect your child’s interests and preferences. For example, if they love animals, why not include animal-themed books, toys and teddies. If they enjoy certain types of music, try having those readily available.

At preschool age, your child may be learning some techniques for self-regulation, but they’ll still require some adult support to help them feel calm. At this stage, you may want to introduce a few strategies to your child, such as breathing techniques. You can find some of these in our Wellbeing Activities and Relaxation Tips for Nursery Children blog.

Bath time can also be a wonderfully relaxing and regulating experience for children. During this time, your child can engage in play, which not only makes the experience more enjoyable but also helps you both to connect and offers a chance for reflection.

4. Tips for Creating Your Child’s Safe Space

1. Make it Age-Appropriate: Start by ensuring the space is age-appropriate. Whether you’re setting up for a baby, toddler, or preschooler, make sure the room is equipped with the right resources and adjust it as your child grows. This ensures the space remains relevant and supportive throughout their developmental stages.
2. Introduce Calming Techniques: As mentioned, you can teach your child calming strategies like breathing exercises. Simple activities, such as blowing bubbles, can be incredibly effective. If your child doesn’t have the opportunity to learn how to calm themselves, they can’t be expected to do so on their own. Mastering relaxation techniques early on can provide lifelong benefits.
3. Opt for Time-In, Not Time-Out: Remember to use the safe space for ‘time-in’ rather than ‘time-out’. Instead of using it as a disciplinary tool, join your child in the space to help them calm down. This wonderful co-regulation approach nurtures a sense of security and connection, making the space a positive retreat.
4. Focus on Connection: When your child exhibits behaviours that are challenging, it’s important to acknowledge that they’re not seeking attention but connection. Young children crave meaningful interactions and closeness. Keeping this in mind can help you respond with empathy, patience, and support, reinforcing the safe space as a haven for connection.