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How do I Teach My Child to Take a Deep Breath?

How do I Teach My Child to Take a Deep Breath?

How Do I Teach My Child to Take a Deep Breath?

Teaching your child to take a deep breath is a valuable investment. Deep breathing is a self regulation tool that your child can use any place any time, and will remain useful when they get bigger. 

The key is to practice deep breathing techniques during calm times. Think of deep breathing when it's calm like developing muscle memory, that way the skill will come easier in times of stress.

The best way to teach your child to take deep breaths is to model and use props. 

**This post contains affiliate links. I earn commissions from clicks and qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

7 Props to Teach Your Child to Take a Deep Breath

1. Belly Breathe Demonstration and Music Videos 

teach my child to take a deep breath books
Warning: this Sesame Street Belly Breathe Song will get stuck in your head! The music video and Learn to Belly Breathe with Rosita demonstration video are useful tools to model belly breathing. 

Show your child how to use their hands to feel the rise and fall of their chest, or the in and out motion of their belly button as they take deep breaths. 

My daughter also loves the Sesame Street Monster Meditation Book Series. They all model deep breathing techniques in different situations.

2. Bubbles

Who doesn't love bubbles? Blowing bubbles is useful for practicing deep breathing, and can serve as a distraction or something visual to focus on in the attempt to regulate emotions.

BONUS: let your child insert the wand into the tube for fine motor and hand-eye coordination practice.

3. Pinwheel

Similar to bubbles, pinwheels are pretty to look at! Plus you can use them as decorations. 

4. Instruments

The Melissa & Doug Deluxe Band Set includes a recorder, kazoo and harmonica. The sound of the instrument provides immediate auditory feedback to let your child know they're exhaling.

This provides a great lesson in cause and effect. Take a deep inhalation to see how long you can exhale and hold the note! 

5. Dandelion

No affiliate link for this one :) The season is short lived for this prop, so be sure to take advantage of it when and if you can. 

teach my child to take a deep breath props
6. Candles 

Using birthday candles to practice deep breathing will be the gift that keeps on giving. Use several candles lined up in a row, and make it a fun challenge to store up enough breath to blow out all of the candles at once! 

7. Expandable Ball

The expandable ball is a visual aid for deep breathing. Expand the ball while you inhale and collapse it when you exhale. 

As your little one improves their breathing skills, be sure to practice without props. You want them to be able to take a deep breath in times of distress when props are not available. 

Summary

Deep breathing is a valuable emotional regulation tool. Once your child is able to take a deep breath, they can call upon that skill during times of stress. Deep breathing is an emotional investment that will remain a healthy coping mechanism for the rest of their lives. 


What other props could help teach deep breathing? 


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