“Pote da calm” promises to reassure children

Have you ever heard of the “pot of calm”? Success on Pinterest and other social networks, the technique has conquered mothers all over the world, who share successful experiences and recommend its use.

Inspired by the Montessori method, which proposes the creation of a more creative learning environment, the “pot of calm” creates a propitious moment for children to express themselves and try to explain the reasons for anger or sadness.

How it works

Just as newborns, especially premature ones, learn to regulate their breathing, heart rate, and body temperature through an external source (skin-to-skin contact with their parents), older children often need an external source. to learn how to regulate your physiological and emotional responses.

Among the most common techniques are breathing exercises, wrapping yourself in a blanket, doing self-massage, sitting in a rocking chair, or singing quiet songs. Self-control is an even more difficult process in children with autism or those with sensory processing difficulties. In this context, the jars of calm emerged as a good transition tool between a nervous breakdown and a state of self-control.

If the child is so upset that he or she cannot be comforted or involved in other calming activities, the calm jar acts as a visual anchor, bringing their attention to a single focus and encouraging them to express their feelings in a calm manner.

The child may shake the pot as hard as he can and should not be scolded for doing so. This attitude is part of the tranquilizing process. Glittering water movement provides a sensory outlet for frustration and even serves as a physical alternative to calm down in a less destructive way than kicking or hitting. According to proponents of the method, the movement of the sparkles inside the bottle serves as an unconscious instruction to slow your heart rate and breathing.

How to make

It is possible to make pots with the most varied effects. It is important that the bottle used is well sealed and made of resistant material, which will not break if dropped on the floor. Inside the pot, mix a few spoons of glitter glue, glitter, warm water and food coloring. Pendants, feathers and other accessories can be inserted to create more fun effects. Don’t forget to leave an empty space at the top of the pot, to ensure that the liquid can be stirred.

The effect is most effective when presented to the child before an attack. Shake the bottle, hand it to the child and let him see what happens. Afterwards, leave the bottle in an easily accessible place. This way, the child will be able to pick it up on their own when they feel upset, overwhelmed or agitated.