20/02/2022
How many times have you told a child they need to calm down? I’m guilty of it🥴. Let’s challenge ourselves to make a conscious effort to teach our kids what a calm body looks like, feels like, sounds like- and what we can do to help our body get to that place! This is a great activity to do prior to sensory play to help with the transition from one activity to the next♥️
Activity: Belly Breathing
Have your child pick one of their favorite stuffed animals to be their “breathing buddy.” Lay on your back and invite your child to do the same. Place your breathing buddy on your belly and take a deep breath though your nose for 1-2-3 and watch your “buddy” rise as your belly fills with air. Blow out for 1-2-3-4 and watch as your “buddy” slowly goes down. Repeat this practice for 5 to 10 rounds. If your child seems anxious, or unsettled play relaxing music to help them feel calm. Children can say, “up, up, up,” as their “buddy” goes up, and say, “down, down, down,” as they exhale.
Take note and discuss with your child how they feel after spending some time with their “breathing buddy.”
Why I ❤️ this:
1. Easy and fun for kids of all ages and abilities to do
2. Fun way to introduce mindful breathing (paying attention to your breathing)
3. There is a sense of comfort by having kids complete the exercise with a well-loved toy they are familiar with
4. Doesn’t cost anything and can be completed at any point throughout the day at home and/or school
Breathing Buddy exercise works because:
1. Focusing on the now during belly breathing shifts the focus from the thoughts and emotions that may be causing us stress or worry, soley to our calm breaths
2. Belly breathing calms down the nervous system
⭐️Happy playing friends!