Mindful Emotional Regulation

>> Exploding Balloon

 
Part of my responsibilities as a child life specialist is being able to identify the source of children’s angry emotions and find appropriate outlets for emotional expression in cases where children are externalizing their anger (i.e., being destructive, acting out physically or verbally) or internalizing anger (i.e., being withdrawn, non responsive). Teaching children why both of these coping styles are unproductive is an essential FIRST step in to helping to learn mindful techniques to manage anger.
 

Here is one activity, called the “Exploding Balloon” that I have used successfully with children of all ages to:

 

 

(a) Understand how holding anger inside can lead to destructive feelings and behaviours, and

 

(b) learn, practice and implement appropriate strategies for expressing anger.

 

 

 

* DISCLAIMER –  Latex allergies among children are infrequent but it is advised to always check beforehand. Also, while part the original activity involves blowing air into a balloon until it pops, for safety considerations, I DO NOT recommend this under any circumstances. Instead, I discuss two safe alternatives I have used successfully.

 
 

-------- Activity: [[Exploding Balloon]]

 

Materials:

 

• 
  Balloons (two for each participant) – red and yellow
• Safety glasses
• A tack
• A large sheet of paper, marker, tape

 

PART 1: Holding onto Anger – Unhealthy Coping

 

 

 

BEGIN: Begin by giving the child two balloons. Ask them to draw an angry face on the red one and a happy face on the yellow balloon. It is advised to provide safety glasses to each person present to avoid injury when the balloon is popped by the adult facilitator.

 

ACTIVITY: Ask the child to think about a time when they felt angry (feel free to personalize part of the activity to the particular child you are working with). Reiterate that the child is to only think about situations in which he/she felt angry and NOT talk about the scenario or their angry feelings at this point in the activity. Ask the child, instead, to blow their angry feeling into their red balloon. Continue to ask the child to think of another time when they felt angry and blow those angry feelings into the balloon.

 

ACTION: Eventually, the balloon will be come very inflated. At this stage, point out how big the balloon as gotten and how angry it looks. It is here that I ask to hold the balloon as I point out how large it is and discreetly pop it using a tack a distance away from others. Alternatively, you can let the balloon go and watch it go out of control. (i.e., discuss the necessity of exerting control over or managing their anger so they do not go out of control like the balloon).

 

DISCUSSION: Facilitate a discussion by asking the child why they think the balloon exploded? What happens when you hold onto angry feelings for too long? How does it make you act? If you have let the balloon go instead of popping it, discuss the necessity of exerting control over or managing their anger so they don’t go out of control like the balloon.

 

 

* Please make certain to dispose the pieces of balloon immediate if they are popped so they do not pose a choking hazard.

PART 2: Healthy Coping

 

 

BEGIN: Begin by giving the child the yellow balloon.

 

ACTIVITY: This time ask the child to again think about a time when they felt angry and start to blow the angry feeling into their balloon. Once the balloon has been filled with some air, have the child STOP and TALK about their angry feelings.

 

ACTION: As they talk about their anger, have them release the air from the balloon a little at a time.

 

DISCUSSION: Once the balloon is deflated, ask the child, “what is different about what you are doing this time?” Here, you can help them see that if the balloon is filled with air that is then released, it will not explode.

 

Ask the child what they can do to stop themselves from exploding when they feel angry. Write these coping strategies on a sheet of paper. If they are having difficulty, think of ideas or offer suggestions such as:

 

- Talking to someone about your feelings

 

- Thought stopping or thought replacing

 

- Listening to music

 

-  Slowly counting backwards from 10

 

- Deep or Belly breathing until your body becomes relaxed

 

- Thinking about happy memories

 

- Visualize a stop sign

 

Once the list of coping strategies have been made, have the child choose their top 3 favourites and practice the strategies to ensure it becomes more automatic and he/she is able to implement it well.

 

 

 

 

Thanks for taking the time to read!

<3.

 

 

"Never teach children not to be angry, but teach them how to be angry."

 

 

 

 

References:

Activity adapted by me from Child Life techniques (no real source).

 

Image Sources:

Angry red balloon

Red and yellow

Colourful

Air out

Nice

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rethink Stress:

Koko
//A Social Network for Mental Health


It’s All About Perspective

It’s all about perspective…. isn’t it? Most research indicates that stress is helpful, not harmful (i.e., it is a series of physical symptoms that serve survival purposes). Of course, the experience of stress does not always function that way. This is due to our perception* of stress rather than the stress itself! The good news about perspective is that changing it is something we CONTROL. In fact, learning to REFRAME and RETHINK stressors is probably one of the best coping strategies you can learn to develop from an early age. This is generally termed, “reappraisal” in mental health practice.



Specifically…

Cognitive Reappraisal is having the ability to redefine or reframe a potentially emotional situation so that its emotional impact is lessened, while …

Positive Reappraisal is an actively replacing negative thoughts or attributions about an emotional event/issue with positive ones.

The real beauty of this approach is that it is easy. Thinking a thought takes almost zero effort. You can do it from the comfort of …. Anywhere. All you need is to know it can and it very well will work!



[REAPPRAISAL] Applied to Teens/Young Adults

Reappraisal is particularly effective in shaping resiliency in adolescence. Young children tend to have a difficult time separating their perspective from others’ perspectives, or understanding that others may have a different perspective on a given situation or issue (i.e., they operate ego-centricly). However, in adolescence, a young person can come to understand that other people hold different perspectives and that those people appreciate different perspectives themselves (i.e., “mutual perspective-taking”). This developmental progession is tightly linked with age. Thus, reappraisal as a coping straegy is most effectively developed in adolscence especially as the begin to negoiation transitioning to young-adulthood.



Koko: Rethinking Everyday Stress.

Koko is a mental-health social networking app that utilizes both the ideas of peer-to-peer support and Reappraisal. It’s conceptualized as a tool to help encourage rethinking stress and in the age of technology, where cellphones and adolescence go hand-in-hand (literally), it can be a very helpful tool when you consider the therapeutic value – learning how to Reappraise everyday stress.




[?] How Koko Works?

In traditional clinical practice, a practitioner might ask his/her patient to imagine the worst case scenario and then guide and encourage him to rethink that scenario from a different perspective to avoid psychological traps that can underlying unhealthy thinking. Koko embraces the same idea only instead of a practitioner, it relies on other users to help you rethink your situation and to help guide your thin inking back to a more positive, realistic, manageable and rational place.

Koko asks users to choose a topic of concern (e.g., school, work, relationships, family) and in a few sentences describe their worry and the worst-outcome scenario. If another user swipes through a problem they can offer insight on, they tap a button that says “help rethink this.” A text box then pops up and gives sample suggestions written in to get users started, asking people to help others ‘rethink’ an issue – “What’s a more optimistic take on this situation?”, “This could turn out better than you think because…” or “ A more balanced take on this could be...”


 Responses can be up-voted to increase their visibility. You can list your worries anonymously, so there’s no feeling of shame in sharing.

All of the comments and posts are moderated in real time and built-in filters or trigger words signal a better course of action.




- ABOVE: Example from Koko -

 

Koko: The Mental Health Benefits

The creator of the app explains that mental health is like a muscle that needs to be exercised regularily if we want to be strong. “If you can hone the skill of being able to rethink stressful situations, you can really gain this super power of resilience.”


Koko offers a tangible way for adolescence (or us all) to learn how to alter their own perspective and manage everyday stressors by reappraising them. Also, the practice of helping others see their problems in a new light can, in turn, help adolescence to learn how to rethink their own stressors. And having a community to turn to in tough times can help people feel less alone, allowing them to unload anonymously to a supportive group. Koko is not advertised as a substitute for talking to a mental health professional, but it's a lot more helpful not telling no one at all and being stuck in an unhealthy appraisal of the a situation.


Koko is available through the itunes store for free at http://itskoko.com

If you would like more information about Koko, please visit http://itskoko.com



Thanks so much for reading!

<3.


Exercising my mental health muscle and … swiping finger!




 
Image Sources:http://itskoko.com
Screenshot blurred out: Taken from the Koko app
Hands and Thought bubbles: Image

Quote: Here

Colour, Mind and Body:
VISUAL GUIDED IMAGERY

 

Visualization

Visualization is also known as “visual guided imagery.” This technique uses the imagination to slow down the chatter of the mind and help release negative thoughts, worries and even distract from physical pain. One of the reasons why visualization as a tool for stress and anxiety reduction is so powerful is due to the developmental fact that children are naturally imaginative and thus, can easily access this specific kind of healing process.   

I have learnt, as an expert in psychosical health, that children are able to create pictures/images from their mind’s eye to cope with stressors. It is often my work to help children hone or learning and practicing visualization, to develop self-care/coping tools that help them deal with, adjust to or reduce stress, pain and difficult feelings in a variety of situations. Visualization becomes a wonderful way to connect with a child as they learn to listen to their inner wisdom and access their own power of healing.

 
 
[BEST] Colours for Relaxation
 
Colours are perhaps one of the simplest visualization focus points used with children to facilitate guided relaxation and meditation and certain colours have been showed to invoke emotional and physical responses.

Colour Chart - Most Relaxing Colours

 
Warm colors are usually stimulating and not the best for a calm and relaxing environment. Blues, greens, and purples are the most relaxing colors and have proven to have a soothing effect on both the mind and the body. That makes these the best colors for stress-relieving environments, and the best choice for peaceful and quiet room décor and clothing.

 

 

 



Visual Guided Imagery

 

Visual guided imagery can be beneficial for a variety of issues and the process can be tailored to suit a particular child’s specific needs. It can help reduce stress but it can also help with specific issues like sleep problems, test anxiety, back-to-school jitters or illness. It can enhance coping skills, encourage self-esteem and increase creativity.

 

** [[Simple Guided Colour Visualization Script]]

 

Color visualization is very simple technique to teach a child. Start by asking your child to find a comfortable position.

 

1. Ask your child to imagine a favourite color that makes him/her feel peaceful, relaxed and safe.
2. With his/her eyes closed, have him/her imagine taking in that color with each breath and sending it throughout his/her entire body as he/she exhales (i.e., breathing in that color and "sending" it throughout the body).
3. Guide him/her to visualize the colour going down his/her throat, into the neck and chest, down to the stomach, and so on until he/she is filled with the beautiful, peaceful, special colour . . . and is relaxed and in control.
4. Have him/her continue until she visualizes being filled with her special and relaxing colour.

 
 
Thanks for taking the time to read.
 
 
<3.

My own experience tells me that when colour visualization is done purposeful, the healing effects of color are sure to lighten a child’s mood, energize or relax their body, and uplift their spirit. It is my hope colour will do the same for you!

 

Visualizing a blue and purple rainbow!

Image Source
Image 1
Image 2: Relaxing Colour Chart: Copyright © 2015 childsplayccls. (This is an original image, please clearly reference image to http://childsplayccls.blogspot.ca if you would like to use it.)
Image 4

Sorgenfresser: The Worry-Eating Plush Toys.....
Swollow Your Fears!




Developmental Stress

Child Life is a field that gives recognition to “developmental stress” – or the wide variety of difficult and potentially traumatic experiences that specifically children encounter throughout development. From a developmental perspective, stressors have the potential to overwhelm a child’s natural ability to cope effectively.

As professionals working with children or as parents/caregivers, it is simply important to recognize that all children have worries and regardless of how big or small they are, they are very REAL to a child. Oftentimes love one do their best to try and help, but if they are not aware of what the problem is, it becomes very difficult to help. This is where these cute and clever worry-eating plush toys can be an invaluable reasource to professionals/parents.

[!] TA-DA! Introducing …

Sorgenfresser!

The Sorgenfresser’s motto is "we eat your worries", and sometimes with just a bit of help, this is exactly what they do! The idea behind the Sorgenfresser is simply that they “eat” worries – from nightmares to hospital stays or the first day of school.


Sorgenfresser: Worry-Eaters

The child writes or draws the worry and then feeds them to into the zip mouth of the worry eater plush. Of course, this does not solve the problem straight away but can be very symbolically therapeutic for a child – creating an opportunity to define what the worry is and having a way to alleviate the worry. It certainly is a first step in the right direction of healthy coping and can provide a child with an immediate feeling of immense relief.




"Eating" Up Worries!

The next step could involve a parent (or professional). With the problem in the mouth of the worry eater, a parent then is able to uncover exactly what worries their child has. This too becomes a great opportunity to sit down and gently discuss the problem and talk about ways to cope healthy. Also, the simple idea that once the Sorgenfresser is placed in a child’s room, it will keep an eye out for bad dreams and worries and gobble them up, can be a comforting feeling to a child and reassure him or her at bedtime.  

[!] NOTES for Parents/Professionals



Sorgenfresser are based on Gerhard Hahn’s German TV series and in plush form, all have their own unique look and personalities. Some are stretched out, some have floppy ears and some toothy grins. They come in very fun colours and are made with soft velour that is machine washable at 30°. Although, Sorgenfresser is difficult to find in retailers across Canada, they are easily purchased online. Sorgenfresser won Silver for Best Soft Toy in the Loved By Parents awards 2013 and Gold for Best Soft Toy in the Independent Toy Awards 2013.

 

 

Thanks for taking the time to read!


<3
*.... Plus they are cuddly.... Bonus points!



References:

Sorgenfresser

Facebook Page

Image Sources:

Most Pictures from Original Source

Pictures 2 and 3

Pictures 4 and 5

 

 

The Five S’s – Easing a Baby’s Pain After Vaccination

The Calming Reflex

Working with new parents, I have found that one of the first realities they encounter is realizing that their new little one is not yet fully “ready” for the world at birth! During the first few months, babies fuss an average of 1.5 hours a day and 10% cry more than 3 hours a day (i.e., the medical definition of colic). YIKES! That is a lot of crying (and that does not include a parent’s crying)!

In a sense, babies are “evicted” from the womb after 9 months – if they remained any longer their heads would continue to grow to a size which makes delivery dangerous for them and their mothers.

Dr. Harvey Karp says the best way to calm a newborn is by re-creating the noises, movement, and the snug environment of the womb. Dr. Karp's critically acclaimed books and DVDs, “The Happiest Baby on the Block” and “The Happiest Toddler on the Block,” have made him one of the most-read paediatrician in north America. In his books, he explains that in the womb babies are constantly rocked, insulated by the warm and soft uterus walls and are soothed by the whooshing sound of blood flowing through the placenta - a sound about twice as loud as my vacuum cleaner! This explains why newborns have so much trouble adjusting after they are born. It is not that the world after birth is over-stimulating to them but rather that it is profoundly under-stimulating – it is no wonder why babies fall asleep when we take them to noisy basketball games or wedding receptions! The complete quiet and stillness oftentimes does more to disrupt their sleep than it does induce it.

This is where the “calming reflex” has immediate relevancy. In Dr. Karp’s best selling book, “The Happiest Baby on the Block,” he outlines the “Five S’s” to calming a crying baby with the aims of helping parents and those working with children better effectively sooth infants and boost restful sleep.


The Five S’s To Calming a Crying Baby (Dr. Karp – The Happiest Baby Method)

#1: Swaddle

[?] What is it?

To wrap a crying or fussy baby snugly, arms at his sides, inside in a thin blanket (to avoid overheating).

*NOTE: Always lay a baby down to sleep on his back – never on his side or tummy. 

[!] Why it works! Swaddling soothes babies by providing the secure feeling they enjoyed in the womb.

#2: Side or Stomach Position

[?] What is it?

Now that the baby has been swaddled, you can begin to calm him (if crying and fussing) by putting him on his side or stomach. Hold the baby in your arms in a side or tummy-down position, on your lap or over your shoulders.

*NOTE: Use this “S” only for soothing – never* put an infant on his side or stomach when he is sleeping. Once he falls asleep, lay him on his back.

[!] Why it works!

To reduce the risk of SIDS, it is recommended to put babies to SLEEP on their BACKS but, because newborns feel more secure and content on their side or tummy, these are great positions for SOOTHING (not sleeping).

#3: Shushing

[?] What is it?

The "shush" step is achieved by loudly saying "shhh" into your swaddled baby's ear as you hold him on his side or tummy. Put your lips right next to the baby's ear and "shhh" loudly (usually while gently jiggling him – see "S" #4). Shush as loudly as your baby is crying. As he calms down, lower the volume of your shushing to match.

[!] Why it works!

Having spent months in utero, where blood flow makes a shushing sound, newborns are able to calm down and sleep better in noisy environments. However, remember that not all noises are alike.

#4: Swinging

[?] What is it?

While shushing the swaddled baby in a side or stomach position, “jiggle” the baby using very small rapid movements. Be sure to support the newborns head and gentle jiggle (not shake) him.

[!] Why it works!

In utero, babies were often rocked and jiggled – in motion. This makes jigging familiar and comforting to a newborn.

#5: Sucking

[?] What is it?

This simply means giving a swaddled newborn a pacifier/soother if he is upset. This step tends to be more a personal decision for many parents, respectfully so. In combination with being held on the baby’s side or tummy, being soothed with a loud shushing, and being gently jiggled, sucking may help to calm.

[!] Why it works?

Some babies instinctually “suck” on their thumb or pacifier and find comfort in it.



[CHILD LIFE]and the Five S’s: Applications to Newborn Injections/Vaccinations

Over the years, the standards for helping to reduce pain stemming from vaccinations or blood draws ect. has evolved. In the past, doctors recommended giving infants baby Tylenol or Advil to prevent possible fever from developing post vaccination and also to aid in pain relief. That, however, has changed in recent years as research indicated that giving acetaminophen (the main ingredient in Tylenol) before or after a vaccination made the vaccine less effective because fewer antibodies were consequently being produced.

Today, Dr. Harvey Karp’s Five S’s are being used as a highly effective non pharmacological alternative to pain-relief after infant vaccinations or blood work. His method was investigated in clinical trials where results found the majority of infants had stopped crying by a measured 45 second interval…. and, by the minute mark, none of babies who received the 5 S’s/physical intervention were yet crying. This study was published in the journal of Paediatrics and paved the way for the 5 S’s to be a NEW standard of pain relief in hospitals post infants injections or blood work.

As a Child Life Specialist, having implemented the 5 S’s in practice, I have not only witnessed the soothing potential of these 5 easy steps in triggering a newborn’s calming reflex during what can be very painful procedures but I receive the added satisfaction of knowing I have helped to empower parents who oftentimes feel very helpless in these healthcare scenarios –that is, arming them a with a highly effective non-pharmacological way to sooth and calm their infants and provide pain relief.

*TIPS for Use in Hospitals:

• Dr. Karp recommends swaddling the baby prior to the procedure, leaving the legs exposed (this is the spot where injections in young babies are likely made). This will help to trigger the calming reflex before the procedure.

• It is also recommended to have a white noise CD on before the injection happens (or any type of ‘swooshing’ sound).

Thanks so much for taking the time to read!

<3.


“Happy Baby, Happy Child Life Specialist… “



References:

The Happiest Baby on the Block (2003) – Book by Dr. Harvey Karp.
Easing Baby's Pain After Vaccination


Image Sources:
Book cover
DVD cover
How to swaddle
5 S's comic

 

The Superformula!
Chemotherapy Re-Branded to Help Children with Cancer


Child Life, in practice, is incredibly inventive and capitalizes on …. ingenuity, resourcefulness and imagination. This is one of the reasons, I was drawn the field… being a forever creative kinda girl! Some of the most effective Child Life strategies involve imaginative ways to alter a child’s perspective of a challenging or difficult situation. I am truly an advocate for the idea that suggests … the first step in the battle of illness is believing in the cure…. OR in other words, having hope.


This.. needs to be shared….

Superheroes are helping children fight against one of the real world’s greatest villains – cancer. How?!



SUPER Intravenous (IV) Bag Capsules

A worldwide advertising agency, JWT has teamed up with doctors at A.C. Camargo Cancer Center in Sao Paulo, Brazil to design Intravenous (IV) bag capsules based on the uniforms/logos of patients’ favourite Justice League superheroes – Batman, Superman, the Green Lantern and Wonder Woman are just a few examples. JWT’s client, Warner Brothers - the owner of DC Comics, have allowed the hospital to put its characters to the best use possible!


SUPERFORMULA: IV Capsules

Essentially the concept was to create a case that clips together to completely cover the chemotherapy intravenous bag. The creativity behind this case cover comes from combining the chemotherapy medication with the fantasy world of superheroes and is given the name, “Superformula.” Child Life is written all over this idea! The new name and look of the chemotherapy treatment IV bags helps to change the perception children by suggesting that the “Superformula” gives them their own superpower which could be used to conquer their illness.

They may appear as simply covers for IV bags, but they are an awe-inspiring way to help children deal with cancer.

The inspiration for this idea came from recent research investigating the “humanization of cancer treatment” specific to pediatrics and how according more positive meanings to treatment is beneficial to recovery and cure.


Hall of Justice and Comic Books!

"Hall of Justice"

As part of this super (pun intended) initiative, the hospital’s playroom was transformed into the ‘Hall of Justice’ with an exclusive entrance accessible to only the little heroes battling cancer. The ad agency also worked with Warner Brothers to produce a series of comic books and animations in which these superheroes underwent experiences that were similar to the experiences of children with cancer. These superheroes recover their strength because of a “Superformula” developed by a team of expert doctors.

“It’s very important to tell the kids the story through analogies that they will easily understand but to never lie to them. Therefore, a Superhero does not develop the super formula, nor does it come from another planet, specialists develop it,” stated a JWT Project Manger (see source here).

 In the comics, villains spray invisible gas that make the superheroes sick. The superhero then employs his/her “superfriends” or doctors, healthcare staff, friends and family members, which all help in recovery and cure. These stories explain illness and the treatment process in developmentally appropriate, child-friendly and fun ways.



[!] Hopes

“The treatment, especially in the beginning, is very frightening for both children and family members. The Superformula project helps to understand the disease and gives children and adolescents more strength to face the pain and overcome the problems associated with the long treatment in order to, at the end of it, get well.”
                - Cecilia Lima da Costa, Director (see source here).

This effort is so inspiring and capable of positive changes in the way children view cancer treatment and their own “SUPERPOWERS” as we all recognize that they are the REAL superheroes.



Thanks for taking the time to read!
 
 
<3


SUPER Deluxe Duper liking this idea!

References:

JWT’s Blog

Images Source:

Picture 1 and 6
Picture 2, 3, 4, 5

“Belly Breathing” – Diaphragmatic Breathing
 
 

As a Child Life Specialist, I have seen the benefits in teaching what is (cutely) termed, “Belly Breathing” as a self-calming technique that functions to lower stress and anxieties levels and promote relaxation as well as decrease physical pain and anger in children and adolescences.

 

The breath is a vital ‘tool’ that makes all the difference in the way we move, think, recover, heal, and interact with others because it is linked to our physical, emotional and mental states. From a Child Life perspective, as a tool, breathing can be used for anxiety/stress management when working with children of all ages and abilities and …. is one tool we have with us at all times (that’s right - we can leave the preparation and distraction kits on the shelves!).
 
“Take a deep breath” is wonderful and simple wisdom, but it can be difficult when a child is feeling a little challenged. Also, while we all know how to breathe, in order to be truly beneficial, breathing must be diaphragmatic – that is just the physiological (fancy) word for “from the belly.” In my experience, these two reasons are why it is important to practice or rehearse implementing breathing as a tool for emotional management and coping when working with children with the ultimate goal being… self-regulation!
 
 
[?] What is Diaphragmatic Breathing?
 
Diaphragmatic breathing is also known as “belly breathing,” deep breathing, or abdominal breathing and is used as a technique to slow down breathing when you are feeling anxious or stressed.
 
Unlike shallow breathing, which only involves flexing the rib cage, in diaphragmatic breathing you attempt to breathe deeply by flexing the diaphragm. In this way, you ingest more oxygen, which will have the affect of reducing hyperventilating and gradually, calm the body’s anxious/stress response – panic attacks, meltdowns, or other extreme reactions.
 
 
[?] Why is Belly Breathing so Important?
 
In a anxiety, stress or fear responses, the body’s respiration accelerates – we tend to take short, quick, shallow breaths, or even hyperventilate; sometimes called, “overbreathing.” This type of breathing can actually make you feel even more anxious due to increased heart rate, dizziness, headaches ect. Therefore, shallow breaths are physiological unhelpful – they do nothing to allow us to physically calm down.
 
From a sensory perspective, belly breathing can help develop a sense of proprioception, or outer body awareness and interoception or inner body awareness. Becoming body-aware allows us the power to control our anxious/stress response which is key to self-regulation. Belly breathing also balances the nervous system affecting the entire body and help to eliminate waste, strengthen the immune system and increase the supply of oxygen and nutrients to cells throughout the body. It can also aid in relaxation, relieve muscular tension, increase flexibility and joint strength and help us to recover quicker from stress or exertion.
 
 
 
HOW TO Teach Belly Breathing to Children!
 
Diaphragmatic breathing does require practice and most certainly when you are teaching it to a child as calming tool when faced with any anxiety-provoking situation. The child does not need to be feeling anxious to practice. In fact, at first you should practice while the child is feeling relatively calm – the child needs to be comfortable breathing this way when feeling calm, before he/she can feel comfortable doing it when anxious. This will help the child to understand and ingrain the exercises in his/her mind, preparing for the time when he/she does have an anxious response.
 
It is best to begin this exercise by laying down and then as the child progresses and becomes comfortable, he or she can use this exercise in a chair or while standing. [CHILD LIFE TIP:] Have the child lay on a “claming carpet, introduced as a special carpet that helps us to relax and breathe slowly and smoothly…. or a faux grass turf, prompting the child to envision an outdoor scene … with blue skies and puffy clouds above…. or imagine that there is a balloon in their bellies which they attempt to inflate with each breathe ect.
 
 

1. Positioning: Have the child rest on his/her back with hands placed on the tummy.
2. First Deep Breathe: Have the child take a deep breath in through the nose, slowly and gently. Then, release the breathe through the mouth while saying “ahhhhh.” The child should be able to feel his/her tummy rise and fall.
3. Begin: Next, have the child breathe slowly in through the nose, out through the mouth. Have the child imagine trying to i.e., pick a flower (in the case of a scenario involving the faux grass turf rug) and blow the petals off one by one or… imagine trying to blow a feather up in the air or…. imagine inflate the balloon in their belly .. ect.
4. Finding a Pace: Have the child inhale slowly and count 2, 3, 4 and exhale counting 2, 3, 4. 5.
5. Repeat: Repeat. Inhale 2, 3, 4. Exhale 2, 3, 4. About 6-8 breathing cycles per minute is often helpful to decrease anxiety, but it is important for the child to find their own comfortable breathing rhythm.

 
 
CHILD LIFE TIPS!

* If the child has trouble with breathing deeply enough at first, try having him/her balance a stuffed animal on the tummy and try to move it just by breathing. This should help grasp the feeling of how to breathe down deeply into the diaphragm – which can be a hard concept to explain to little ones
* Bigger and stronger breaths will increase energy whereas smaller and lighter breaths will clam. As air is filtered into the body, it will also stimulate the appropriate receptors in the nasal cavity for energy or focus or calm.
* Breathing should be rhythmic and taken a few breaths at a time to avoid dizziness or overbreathing. * Keep some tissues handy! Hehehehe :o).
 


BEDTIME Belly Breathing
 
There are SO MANY breathing games that can be used to encourage breathing but, I will share a resource that specifically teaches diaphragmatic breathing to children in a cute little short story format that can be read at bedtime, which tends to be difficult for children experiencing unusual anxiety/stress. The book is titled, "Sea Otter Cove" and is written by Lori Lite.
 

I like the simplicity of the story (I also, admittedly might be biased to the fact that one of the characters is a mermaid). The author does a great job of developing the characters – a playful sea otter and a enchanted sea child. Built into the storyline are prompts to encourage the child to slow down their breaths, relax and fall asleep peacefully.
 
This book can be found in major bookstores and is available for download on iBooks and iTunes @ https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/sea-otter-cove/id420318127?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D4


Thanks so much for taking the time to read!

<3.


*Yoga breath* 2, 3, 4 exhale….



References:

Images Sources
Anxiety Girl
Keep Clam and Belly Breath
Breathing Balloon
Breathing and Counting
Sea Otter Cove Book Pictures