03/10/2026
Stress and anxiety are connected to physical sensations in our bodies. The relaxation skill of paced belly breathing helps us turn down these unpleasant physical sensations, which helps us to feel calm and in control. For example, Molly the Hedgehog was feeling nervous during her dance competition. She felt many unpleasant physical sensations in her body. Thanks to her friend Hanna the Turtle, Molly used paced belly breathing to calm her body and turn down her nervousness so she could complete the competition.
Encourage your elementary schooler to watch this video of kids talking about their emotions. Even better — watch it with your child and discuss these key findings together:
1️⃣ Belly breathing is breathing slowly and deeply at a steady pace. By slowing their inhales and extending their exhales, your child can use their breath to harness control of their emotions.
2️⃣ Belly breathing balances out the carbon dioxide and oxygen in kids' bodies, cutting off their fight, flight, or freeze response. It returns their mind and body to a calmer state.
All information provided by the Child Mind Institute — https://fb.com/ChildMindInstitute
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