We're on to Part 3 of the Deep Breathing Series today where I'm going to share with you five, fun breathing exercises for kids. These variations on deep breathing provide variety and make it fun for your kids to practice. If your just joining and you missed the first two parts, check them out first.

 

Part 1 - 5 Deep Breathing Benefits for Kids

Part 2 - 3 Simple Steps for Peaceful Kids, Naturally

 

Now, let's dive right into it.

 

Five Fun Breathing Exercises for Kids

#1 CALMING COCOA

A fun go-to technique that kids love.

To practice Calming Cocoa, curl the four fingers on one hand to meet the thumb like you are forming a cup. Keep the other hand flat like a saucer and place your cup-hand on your saucer-hand. Now smell all of the chocolatey goodness of the cocoa in the cup as you take a deep breath in and then cool the hot, steamy cocoa as you breathe out with tightened lips.

 

#2 WOODCHOPPER

Woodchopper is good for times when your child is feeling angry. It provides a healthy way to release the angry energy that won't get your child or anyone else hurt.

Start by standing tall, legs open wide, and knees bend slightly. Lace your fingers together behind your back. Bend forward at the waist into a forward fold and let your arms come forward over the back of your head, gently. Letting out a "CHOP" or "AHHH" or some other kind of vocalization will also help move some of the energy out.

 

#3 WHALE

Whale is good for energetic kids because it combines deep breathing with movement to release energy from the body.

Stand tall, feet slightly apart, and knees slightly bent. Bring your hands to your heart. Take a deep breath in and as you exhale, move your hands up together over your head and open them up like water being blown from the top of your head. Bring your arms down to each side and then your hands back to your heart.

 

#4 TWEETY BIRD

Tweety Bird is my go to breathing technique for sadness. It combines the calming, good feelings from breathing with a great big soothing hug.

You can either come up high onto your knees or sit back with your bottom on your feet. Stretch your arms out wide to each side. Then bend your elbows and wrap your arms around your front grabbing the opposite shoulders with your hands, just like a great big hug for yourself. You can open and close your elbows like a tweety bird singing you a soothing song. Take your three deep breaths.

 

#5 MANTRA

A mantra is a word or sound that you can combine with your breathing to get rid of anxiety and invite in another feeling.

Get comfortable in a calm environment. You can lie down or sit criss-cross applesauce. Take a few deep breaths to settle in and then breath normally. Repeat the words or mantra with each normal breath. Here are some examples of mantras you can use for anxiety or of course, your child can make their own.

• I am peace
• Finding peace
• I am brave
• I am safe
• Let it go (Yes, I said it.)

So there you have it. Five fun, deep breathing exercises for kids to practice and become deep breathing masters. And when your kids are deep breathing masters, you get to enjoy some peace and calm. It's a win for everyone.

 

Breathe in Threes

Whether I am deep breathing myself or teaching kids, we always breathe in threes. So, when you pick a breathing exercise to practice, breathe for one round of three breaths.

 

It's probably fine to stop at one round of three breaths for practice, but if your child is experiencing a difficult moment, they may need more rounds.

 

If your child is having a difficult moment, it helps to rate the feeling from one to ten or from very peaceful to not at all peaceful before you start breathing. So, if your child is feeling a big emotion, ask if they can rate the intensity of the feeling. Do one round of breathing, and then check back in and rate the intensity again. Keep repeating until your child is comfortable again.

 

Sometimes your kids might be too wrapped up in emotion to be able to rate the intensity. It's ok. If you practice deep breathing regularly, you'll find that big emotional energy will build less frequently and will become less intense.

 

I created some printables for you so you can record info about your child's deep breathing practice. The rating system is included on the daily tracker printable. You can grab it when you sign up for the free Five Day Deep Breathing Challenge.

 

 

The 5 Day Deep Breathing Challenge

The 5 Day Deep Breathing Challenge is the next step. I created the challenge to help you pull together everything you learned in the Deep Breathing Series and establish a plan for practice.

 

Now, I'm going to be honest here. Deep breathing IS NOT going to give you the results you want, unless you practice with your kids every day.

 

But when you do practice, you'll see amazing results. Practice will help your kids:

• perfect their deep breathing technique
• remember to use deep breathing in a difficult moment
• lessen the intensity and frequency of meltdowns and tantrums
• feel more calm and peaceful in general

 

So, set yourself and your kids up for success with a practice plan that is fun and fits right into your busy schedule. I've made it easy for you with The Deep Breathing Challenge.

 

When you sign up for the challenge and use the Deep Breathing Journal, your perfect practice plan will magically appear by the end of the five days.

 

here's what's next:

Head over to Part 4- The Deep Breathing Challenge.