My Breathing Buddy - A Calming Companion for Young Children
My Breathing Buddy is a new delightful and creative resource designed to help young children manage feelings of anxiety, overwhelm or meltdowns. This engaging tool encourages calm through creative expression and guided breathing exercises, making it easier for children to identify emotions and self-regulate.
About This Resource
My Breathing Buddy is a fun and interactive activity that combines colouring with guided breathing and finger tracing to teach young children how to calm themselves during stressful moments. The resource includes a friendly monster character that children can colour, name and use as a visual aid for deep breathing exercises. We have also included a display page, which can be used on display boards or calm corners to help children self-regulate and take time out when they need to.
How to Use
- Colour and Personalise: Start by having your child colour in their Breathing Buddy. Encourage them to name their buddy, which personalises the experience and makes the Breathing Buddy feel like a trusted friend.
- Breathing Exercise: Guide your child through a breathing exercise using the Breathing Buddy. Have them trace around the furry outline of the Breathing Buddy while taking deep breaths—inhale as they trace up, and exhale as they trace down. We've included a fun rhyme to help you!
- Create a Calm Corner: Use the included display page to create a calm corner in your home or classroom. Cut out and display the Breathing Buddy where your child can easily see it, creating a comforting space for relaxation and mindfulness.
- Regular Practice: Incorporate the Breathing Buddy into daily routines or during moments of distress. Encourage your child to use their Breathing Buddy whenever they need to calm down, reinforcing the breathing techniques and promoting emotional regulation.
Benefits
- Teaches Deep Breathing: Helps children learn and practise deep breathing techniques, which are effective for managing anxiety and calming down.
- Encourages Creativity: Allows children to engage in a creative activity by colouring and naming their Breathing Buddy, making the process more enjoyable and personal.
- Promotes Emotional Regulation: Provides a visual and interactive tool that supports emotional self-regulation and reduces the likelihood of meltdowns.
- Creates a Calming Space: Offers a way to set up a designated calm corner, reinforcing relaxation techniques and providing a comforting space for children.
- Boosts Self-Awareness: Helps children become more aware of their emotions and develop strategies to manage them independently.
My Breathing Buddy is a perfect resource for young children who may experience anxiety or overwhelming emotions. By combining a fun colouring activity with practical a breathing and finger tracing exercise, this tool helps children learn to manage their feelings and helps you to create a calming environment.
