Deep Breathing For Children

What is deep breathing?

Deep breathing is a method of breathing that involves taking long, slow breaths.

What does deep breathing do?

It helps the body to relax, lowers blood pressure, and relieves pain, stress and anxiety. It can even improve posture and detoxify the body!

Who can use deep breathing?

Almost everyone*! But it is especially helpful for those who suffer from stress and anxiety.

How do you do it?

1. Tell your child to place one hand on their stomach, and the other hand on their chest.

2. Instruct your child to take a deep breath in through their nose.

3. As they breathe in, tell them to let their stomach push their hand up.

4. Hold the deep breath for three seconds.

5. Tell your child to breathe out slowly and purse their lips as they exhale.

6. While exhaling, have your child pay attention to their hand as their stomach goes down.

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Products that can help teach deep breathing:

Corrine Wants to Grow Up

Join Corrine as she navigates an adult world. Corrine is a little girl who wants to grow up so she can be taller, bigger, and better able to do adult things - like stay up late. Her parents guide her to come to her own conclusions, and she uses deep breathing exercises to calm down when she is starting to get upset, because she is not able to do grown up things.

A coming of age story and coloring book for children ages 6-10. Purchase your very own copy on Amazon and see what it does for YOUR child.

Hobermann Sphere

Hobermann Spheres may look cool, but they have a practical use too - to help children focus on their breathing!

Have children slowly inhale while you slowly expand the Hoberman Sphere and then exhale as you slowly shrink the sphere back to its original size. This is also a great way to demonstrate the expansion of the lungs. Find it on Amazon

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*Some people with respiratory issues may be unable to participate in deep breathing exercises. Contact your doctor or pediatrician if you or your child experience trouble.

Do you practice deep breathing? Does your child? Has it helped with stress and anxiety? Please share your experience with us in the comments!