Make your own breathing visual cue! I make “breathing wands” with little ones to notice their breath at home too. Have the child make the pinwheel move as long as possible by breathing out even more slowly. Have them breathe fast then slowly and notice the difference in the pinwheel movement. Theres even an adaptation for babies & toddlers. I have learned that children especially enjoy using visual cues for noticing their breath such as pinwheels. Have fun with this simple, yet mindful yoga breath activity. Putting a hand on their chest or stomach and noticing the rise and fall of the breath is another way to help them notice this. Add a favorite stuffed toy and younger kids will get it almost instantly and find it fun to try out. Belly breathing calms down the nervous system and is easy to do. Have them put their hands up to their mouth and notice how the air is cool when they breathe in and warm when they breath out their mouth. Breathing Buddies also know as Teddy Bear Belly Breathing is one of my favorite mindful breathing exercises for kids. Here’s a simple breathing mindfulness lesson that can be used individually with a child or with a group: Have the child or children start by noticing their breath. I also talk about how breathing is your body’s special clue to how you are feeling (fast breathing could mean anger or fear, slow breathing relaxed, etc.). Why notice your breath? I tell children how noticing their breath can actually help them calm down by simply paying attention to their body.

I quickly found out that this works for mindfulness too! This deep breathing technique is at the core of many mindfulness and relaxation practices.NEW FOR EDUCATORS DIGITAL DOWNLOADS:Do your pupils practise 'Bell. As an early childhood therapist, I adapt and find ways to make social and emotional lessons more creative and engaging for the little ones. Teaching young children mindfulness is a lot easier and more fun than one might think.

Mindful breathing for kids