How to Use Safe Place in the Backyard/Patio

Accidents, intrusions and upsets can happen everywhere, making a portable Safe Place a helpful tool for outside play. Your outdoor Safe Place will provide an area for children to self-regulate by changing their inner state from upset to composed, just like inside the home!

Designate a bench, chair, or other space that’s somewhat away from the main action (but still in sight) as your outdoor Safe Place. The Bug Family uses a Safe Place Mat to designate their outdoor Safe Place. Encourage children to use the outdoor Safe Place by modeling active calming in it yourself and helping children to do the same when they’re triggered by an upset.

Ideally, you would also have a Safe Place Case (a plastic bin or other waterproof container) available in your outdoor Safe Place. Fill the case with tools and activities that support active calming like a Stress S.T.A.R., printed Safe Place Breathing Icons from our Free Resource Toolkit, lotion, crayons, and paper.