As a parent, teacher or carer, it’s natural to feel a bit lost when a child is feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or just plain upset. But what if I told you there’s a simple, effective tool you can use to help calm your child down—anytime, anywhere?
One of the most powerful techniques for calming a child is breathing. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy for kids to grasp and use!
The “Smell the Flower, Blow Out the Candle” Breathing Exercise 🌸🕯
This breathing exercise is my absolute favourite for helping kids relax and centre themselves. It’s simple, fun, and helps children focus on their breath to create a sense of calm. Here’s how it works:
-
Smell the Flower: Have your child close their eyes, take a slow, deep breath in through their nose, and imagine they’re smelling a beautiful flower. Encourage them to fill their lungs with fresh air as if they’re taking in the most calming scent.
-
Blow Out the Candle: Next, ask them to gently exhale through their mouth, as if they’re blowing out a candle. The key is to make the exhale slow and steady, almost as if they’re trying not to make the flame flicker.
This simple exercise allows your child to slow down, regulate their breath, and feel grounded—all with a fun, imaginative twist!
Why Breathing Works Wonders for Kids
Breathing exercises are not just about calming down in the moment—they also teach kids valuable tools for managing stress and anxiety in the long term. By encouraging your child to focus on their breath, they learn how to self-soothe and take control of their emotions, which can have a lasting impact on their emotional well-being.
But the benefits don’t stop there! Breathing exercises are also a fantastic way to:
- Improve focus and concentration
- Help regulate emotions during moments of frustration or overwhelm
- Encourage mindfulness and present-moment awareness
- Promote physical relaxation and reduce stress
More Mindful Tips for Connecting with Your Child Through Yoga 🌿
Breathing exercises are just one way to help children calm their minds and bodies. Yoga and mindfulness practices can be incredibly beneficial in fostering a deeper connection between you and your child, as well as encouraging a calm, centred approach to life.
If you’d like to explore more ideas for how to incorporate yoga and mindfulness into your child’s routine—especially through the lens of nature—I’ve written a guide that’s packed with helpful tips.
Check out my article: Celebrate World Environment Day with Kids Yoga: A Mindful Connection Guide
In this article, you’ll find more tips on using nature to deepen your connection with your child while teaching them calming techniques that can be used in any situation.
Want Hundreds More Ideas to Help Children Relax and Thrive?
If you’re passionate about learning more and want to dive deeper into becoming a kids yoga teacher, I’ve got just the thing for you. My Zenergy Kids Yoga Foundation Course is filled with valuable techniques, ideas, and strategies to help you connect with kids in meaningful ways—whether at home, in the classroom, or in a studio setting.
You’ll get hundreds more ideas, just like the breathing exercise above, and be empowered to teach kids yoga that truly makes a difference in their lives.
Click here to learn more about the Zenergy Kids Yoga Foundation Course and start your journey today: Become a Kids Yoga Teacher – Learn More
I hope these tips help you create moments of calm in your child’s life—and yours, too!
Loraine x
