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- 🌱 Breath as a Superpower, calm-down tools for big feelings 🌱
🌱 Breath as a Superpower, calm-down tools for big feelings 🌱
Hello Sproutly Families,
Big feelings are part of growing up. Frustration, anger, worry, excitement. These emotions can rise quickly and feel overwhelming in little bodies. In those moments, children often need something simple and reliable to help them slow down.
One of the most powerful tools we have is something we carry with us everywhere: our breath.
Breathing helps calm the nervous system and gives the brain a moment to reset. When children learn to use their breath intentionally, they discover that they have the power to help their bodies feel safe and steady again.
As a family therapist, I often remind parents that breathing isn’t just about calming down. It’s about teaching children that they have tools within themselves to handle big emotions.
In this newsletter, you will get....
Parenting Tips
Photo by Eren Li on Pexels
Teaching Kids to Use Their Breath
Practice When Things Are Calm
Breathing tools work best when they’re practiced before big emotions show up. Try them during quiet moments like bedtime or before school.Make It Playful
Children learn through imagination. Pretend you’re blowing out birthday candles or smelling a flower to make breathing fun and approachable.Model It Yourself
Let your child hear you say, “I’m feeling frustrated, so I’m going to take a few deep breaths.” Modeling helps kids see that everyone uses calming tools.Keep It Simple
Long instructions can overwhelm children. A short phrase like “Let’s breathe together” is often enough.Connect Breath to Feelings
After breathing together, ask: “Does your body feel a little calmer?” This helps kids notice the connection between breathing and emotional regulation.
Activity of the Week
Photo by NEOSiAM 2024+ on Pexels
Balloon Breathing
How to Practice:
Place your hands on your belly.
Take a slow breath in and imagine your belly filling like a balloon.
Slowly breathe out and imagine the balloon gently deflating.
Repeat three to five times together.
You can make it playful by pretending to blow up different sized balloons or by adding a quiet “whoosh” sound when the air leaves the balloon.
Why it works: Belly breathing signals the brain to relax and helps the body move out of “fight or flight” mode.
Sproutly
At Sproutly, we’re passionate about helping parents and children better understand their emotions. And giving families practical tools to manage big feelings with confidence. Click here to explore the products we’ve thoughtfully created to support your child’s emotional growth.
Warm regards
Millie & Melissa
The Sproutly Team
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