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How to create a ‘comfort kit’ with your child
The current situation with coronavirus has caused unexpected changes to our daily lives. If you’re a parent, your children may be feeling anxious, worried and upset about what’s happening.
We’ve created an animation for you to watch with your child. It introduces the idea of making their own ‘comfort kit’. This is a collection of special and favourite items that they can turn to whenever they feel upset. The animation is for children aged seven and under.
I feel sad, I feel bad, I’m scared.
Hey, are you OK? You seem sad. Shall we make a comfort kit together?
What’s a comfort kit?
A comfort kit is a collection of your favourite things that comfort you when you feel sad, worried, angry or upset.
You’ll need a box or bag to put your favourite things in.
(gasps) I know just the thing!
But I don’t know what to put in it.
Try using things that are fun to look at, feel, smell or listen to.
I like my jungle colouring in book.
Great! Let’s put that in your comfort kit along with some colouring pencils too!
I want to put a picture of my family and friends in there as well.
Good idea. And remember, you can always ask them for help about anything that’s making you feel sad or bad.
I like looking at the colours and patterns in my Kaleidoscope.
WOAH
Me too! You’re getting the hang of this now. What else do you want to put in your comfort kit?
My cuddly toy is really soft.
Aw, I like this one. Every one should have a unicorn to cuddle.
I like the way these flowers smell.
What else should I put in my comfort kit?
What sounds do you like the best?
I know…
Hahahaha
Anything else you would like to put in?
Oh yes. I almost forgot.
I love bubbles.
I feel a bit better now. I’m going to do some colouring in.
Awesome!
What will you put in your comfort kit? Here are some more ideas.
Comfort kits are also called self-soothe boxes. They contain sensory items that can help to distract, soothe or comfort children when they feel distressed. Self-soothing is a technique that can help children to manage difficult feelings, and regulate their emotions. Our hope here is that after watching the animation, you and your child may like to make a comfort kit together.
Comfort kits are simple to make and can be used quickly. And they don’t have to be expensive – they can often be filled with items you already have at home. It’s good to put things in there that focus on the senses such as touch, smell, see and hear.
Here are some ideas that your child might like to put in their kit.
Touch
- Soft blanket
- Cuddly toy
- Pom poms
- Stress ball
- Fidget spinner
Smell
- Something that reminds them of you (maybe a t-shirt)
- Flowers
- Scratch and sniff (scented) stickers
- Bath bombs
See
- Photos of favourite animals or people
- Colouring-in book
- Favourite book
- Kaleidoscope
- Snow globe
- Bubbles
Hear
- Noise cancelling headphones
- A musical instrument
- Favourite music
- Sounds from nature
Using the comfort kit
Next time your child is distressed, try some of these conversation starters to help remind your child that this is a tool that can help soothe them.
‘I can see you’re feeling angry/upset/annoyed. Shall we get the box that you have made to look at this together?’
‘I will get your comfort kit for you and we can work out what is making you feel this angry/upset/annoyed/worried.’
‘Do you think spending some time going through your self-soothe box / comfort kit will be helpful right now?’
Even if your child isn’t upset, if you notice them use or play with an item they particularly like – for example a game they’ve enjoyed, you could suggest they put it in their kit too.
During this time of change and uncertainty, we hope this kit can help you and your child find some comfort. We also have some information about talking to your child about coronavirus which you may find helpful too.
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This information was published by Bupa's Health Content Team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been reviewed by appropriate medical or clinical professionals and deemed accurate on the date of review. Photos are only for illustrative purposes and do not reflect every presentation of a condition.
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