12/18/2025
I was asked a bit ago to support a child in an out-of-school program.
Before I could even begin, this child looked at me and said,
“Don’t tell me to breathe. It doesn’t work!”
Through my work with kids and their teachers and families, I hear and see what works in classrooms and at home and how important meeting a child or teen where they are in that moment.
Here's what I've observed:
✨ Kids respond best to breathwork that offers choice
✨ Breath that uses imagery and play
✨ Breath that is modeled and shared
Many kids (and adults 😊) shut down any assistance when they feel angry, misunderstood, or overstimulated. But when breathing becomes an invitation instead of instruction, something shifts.
Science backs this up. The nervous system feels safest when there is predictability, and connection. Breathwork activates the parasympathetic nervous system calming the stress. Imagination , fun, and music 🎶 added to breathwork can help engage the brain in a way that bypasses resistance. And modeling works because kids learn through co-regulation, which can give us adults a moment of peace, as well!
So instead of saying, “Take a deep breath,” we might try:
🌬️ “Want to pretend we’re blowing up a giant balloon? Or "Let's make this pinwheel spin as fast as you can!"
🌬️ Breath with them either in a partner pose or using a breathing script made for children.
🌬️ Letting them choose what feels good in their body.
What kind of breathing actually works for your child or students?
What are your success stories? Drop it in the comments 💬
