In my opinion, the first work of Early Childhood is to assist our young students in managing their strong emotions and strong behaviors. One of the best means I have to accomplish this is to teach children to concentrate on their breathing. To date this year, I have taught them Bee Breathing (breathe in, “hum” with the out breath with a hummmmmm) and together we definitely sound like a hive! Snake breathing is breathing in and sssssssssssss on the out breath.
When a child is upset, we can breathe these special ways with them. It is calming and creates stillness and “settling”. Once calm and quiet, we can talk to them about what has upset them, and gently guide them. Eventually, children can go off when needed to a cushion or quiet space and do their own breathing, calming themselves independently. It is such a giant step when children can manage this on their own.
Not long ago, a mother reported that she and her husband were having a bit of a disagreement when their son (our preschooler) stood between them and said “Stop! Close your eyes. Just snake breath together and you can calm down and then talk about the problem! I”ll show you how!”. End of disagreement!
Children feel good about themselves when they can master their own emotions and behaviors, and parents display such pride in their children to see them growing in such positive ways!
Practice some breathing strategies with your child! It will reinforce what we are teaching here at South Hills, and may be an effective practice for parents as well! Who isn’t stressed these days? Mindful breathing can be really effective in reducing anxiety and stress. A few minutes of quiet deep breathing can make a difference! View my Music newsletter each month and I will include some of the breathing strategies I am teaching your child...
When a child is upset, we can breathe these special ways with them. It is calming and creates stillness and “settling”. Once calm and quiet, we can talk to them about what has upset them, and gently guide them. Eventually, children can go off when needed to a cushion or quiet space and do their own breathing, calming themselves independently. It is such a giant step when children can manage this on their own.
Not long ago, a mother reported that she and her husband were having a bit of a disagreement when their son (our preschooler) stood between them and said “Stop! Close your eyes. Just snake breath together and you can calm down and then talk about the problem! I”ll show you how!”. End of disagreement!
Children feel good about themselves when they can master their own emotions and behaviors, and parents display such pride in their children to see them growing in such positive ways!
Practice some breathing strategies with your child! It will reinforce what we are teaching here at South Hills, and may be an effective practice for parents as well! Who isn’t stressed these days? Mindful breathing can be really effective in reducing anxiety and stress. A few minutes of quiet deep breathing can make a difference! View my Music newsletter each month and I will include some of the breathing strategies I am teaching your child...
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