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Travel to a Quiet Place

Travel to a Quiet Place
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Create a portable "quiet place" box with soft fabric, calming pictures, a favorite book, and breathing cards to practice peaceful thoughts and relaxation.

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Step-by-step guide to create a portable quiet place box

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Safe, Calm Place (A Child- Friendly Visualization Exercise)

What you need
Adult supervision required, calming pictures printed or from magazines, coloring materials (crayons markers colored pencils), favorite small book, glue stick or tape, index cards or small cardstock, ribbon or tape for a handle, scissors, small box or shoebox, small soft item like a cotton ball or mini stuffed toy, soft fabric scrap large enough to line the box, stickers or simple decorations

Step 1

Gather all the Materials Needed and put them on a clean table.

Step 2

Choose the box you want to turn into your portable quiet place and open the lid.

Step 3

Cut the soft fabric to fit the inside bottom and sides of the box with adult help.

Step 4

Glue or tape the fabric into the box so it lies flat and cozy.

Step 5

Pick three calming pictures that make you feel peaceful and happy.

Step 6

Color or decorate the pictures using your coloring materials.

Step 7

Attach the pictures inside the lid or along the sides of the box with glue or tape.

Step 8

Make four breathing cards by writing one simple breathing prompt on each index card.

Step 9

Decorate the breathing cards so they look soothing and easy to read.

Step 10

Place your favorite small book and the small soft item into the box.

Step 11

Add a ribbon or tape handle or put a sticker label on the outside so you can carry your quiet place.

Step 12

Share your finished quiet place box on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

Complete & Share
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Help!?

What can we use instead of the soft fabric if it's not available?

If soft fabric is hard to find, line the box with an old T-shirt, felt scraps, folded tissue or wrapping paper, or thin craft foam secured with glue or tape.

What should we do if the fabric keeps bunching up or the pictures fall off?

When the fabric bunches during 'Glue or tape the fabric into the box,' smooth it from the center outward and secure edges with small strips of tape or dots of glue, and press pictures firmly or add a bit more glue/tape to the back when attaching them inside the lid or along the sides.

How can we change the activity for different ages?

For ages 3–5 have an adult pre-cut the fabric and pictures and help write simple breathing prompts on the index cards, while ages 6–8 can decorate and attach pieces with supervision and ages 9–12 can design detailed pictures, write personalized breathing exercises, and add the ribbon handle themselves.

How can we make the quiet place box more special or useful over time?

Enhance the box by adding a small scented sachet or lavender scrap, a battery tea light with adult help for a soft glow, velcro strips to swap calming pictures, extra breathing cards with drawings, and a personalized sticker label before sharing on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to create a portable quiet place box

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Building Supportive Environments: Setting Rules and Expectations

4 Videos

Facts about mindfulness and calming strategies for kids

🧸 A soft, familiar item (a transitional object) can make new or stressful situations feel safer for kids.

📚 Keeping a favorite book in a quiet spot gives children a predictable comfort ritual that reduces anxiety.

🧘 Mindfulness can help children improve attention, reduce stress, and manage big emotions.

🌬️ Slow, deep breathing signals the body to relax by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.

📦 Snoezelen-style sensory spaces inspired the idea of portable quiet boxes to calm and focus kids.

How do I create a portable quiet place box for my child?

Start with a sturdy small box or plastic container that closes. Line it with a soft fabric or small pillow, then add calming pictures or a laminated photo card, a favorite short book, breathing cue cards, and one quiet comfort item (small stuffed toy or fidget). Show your child how to use each item, practice breathing together, and create a simple signal or routine for when it’s time to use the box.

What materials do I need to make a travel quiet place box?

Gather a small lidded box or durable plastic container, a soft fabric scrap or mini cushion, calming pictures or laminated cards, a short favorite book, homemade breathing cards, and a quiet comfort object (small stuffed animal or smooth fidget). Optional extras: a soothing scent cloth (if appropriate), stickers to personalize, resealable bags for tiny items, and a simple checklist to guide use. Choose non-toxic and washable materials.

What ages is a portable quiet place box suitable for?

This activity suits toddlers through teens with adjustments: for ages 2–4 use large safe items and supervise closely; ages 4–7 enjoy simple breathing cards and picture prompts; ages 8–12 can personalize and use journaling prompts; teens may prefer sensory tools, calming playlists or reflection cards. Always remove choking hazards for young children, and involve older kids in designing the box to increase ownership and effectiveness.

What safety tips should I follow when making a travel quiet place box?

Choose non-toxic, washable materials and avoid small parts that pose choking risks for young children. Secure any loose pieces in zip bags and check regularly for wear. Avoid strong scents if child has allergies or sensitivities. Supervise use for toddlers and teach safe handling. Use the box as a calming support, not a place of isolation; if a child is highly distressed, stay with them and seek additional support if needed.
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