Breathing Techniques for Children
Breathing slowly and deeply in, and slowing and deeply out, helps our bodies to become calm.
The following are some breathing techniques I have done with children over the last 15 years. They work! Try them out with your kids:
5 Finger Breathing:
With your index finger, trace your hand as shown by the arrows. Breath in through your nose, pause at the top of the finger for 3 seconds, then breathe out through your mouth. Repeat until you have traced all fingers.
Ask your child if they are feeling calm, if not, repeat again. Have fun!
Stand or sit comfortably with a straight but relaxed back.
· Imagine your tummy is a soft balloon. Place your hands gently over it and close your eyes.
· Breathe in through your nose and imagine the balloon gently inflating.
· Gently breathe out through your mouth and imagine the balloon deflating. Do this slowly and stay in control.
· Repeat 5 times or until you feel calm.
Blowing bubbles encourages the child to breathe deeply and steadily expelling all the air in the lungs.
If you don’t have bubble mixture in the house all you need is some twisted garden wire (as above) and a mixture of washing up liquid and water, which can be placed in a plastic cup.
· Breathe in slowly and deeply through the nose and gently out of the mouth to make a bubble.
· Repeat at least 5 times.
· Have fun!