How To Design A Cozy Quiet Corner

Lintukoto (LIN-too-koh-toh) is a Finnish word which literally means “bird’s nest.” Lintukoto symbolizes a safe space, a haven from the outside world. It is the first time on this planet for little people and they’re still learning how to regulate all the big emotions that come with being a person. Giving your littles one a cozy, quiet place to work through those emotions and practice emotional regulation is crucial to raising good humans. Learn how to design a quiet corner and give your kids a refuge from the outside world in the comfort of your home.

I use a tee pee for our lintukoto, but anything that creates a little cozy space will work. When I worked in childcare I used pop up sun tents for quiet corners. Put your tee pee in a low traffic, quiet area. Set a calming atmosphere with soft lighting, like twinkle lights, and a way to play calming music. Fill your tee pee with comfy items and soft seating like bean bags, pillows, and stuffed animals. I love this “bean bag” that doubles as stuffed animal storage.

What To Put In Your Quiet Corner

Place a basket close to or inside your lintukoto. Fill your basket with tools to help with emotional regulation. Some ideas include fidget spinners, coloring pages, worry stones, and stress balls. Moose loves something to focus on when he’s trying to work through big feelings, so our quiet corner includes this Montessori buckle toy and lacing toys.

Naming your emotions is such a big part of emotional regulation. Get a copy of my free emotion chart to put in your quiet corner at the end of the post.

Books For Your Quiet Corner

Books are an excellent way to teach emotional regulation. Here are some of my favorite titles that teach emotional regulation and inclusivity.

the books hot cocoa calm, i am we, mindful mr sloth, and a little emotional sit on top of a blanket in front of some campfire themed pillows in a tee pee

Other Items For Your Lintukoto Quiet Corner

Include a lap desk near your quiet corner for coloring and playing. An aromatherapy diffuser could also be a nice touch depending on the age of your kiddo.

When And How To Use A Quiet Corner

This little lintukoto should be a safe space for your child to process their big feelings. Never use your quiet corner as a punishment. When your little one needs help regulating their emotions, take them to their safe space and practice strategies for calming down together. Read books about emotions or inclusivity, color together, and practice taking deep hot cocoa breaths. Use the emotions chart free printable below and talk about the emotions your little one feels. With enough practice and modeling Moose started taking himself to his lintukoto when he started to feel dysregulated.

Get Your Free Printable Emotions Chart

an emotions chart which features a happy moose, a sad bear, a confused cat, an angry frog, a tired bee, a disgusted cat, an excited panda bear, and a scared monkey

To get your free printable, enter your email in the form below and hit “subscribe.” Your free printable will be delivered to your inbox.

If you don’t see your printable in your primary mailbox, be sure to check your “spam” and “promotions” folders.

Feeback

Did you create a lintukoto for your little one? Tell me all about it in the comments below!

How To Design A Cozy Quiet Corner – How To Create A Lintukoto At Home