Safe Spaces & Deep Breaths
Here's What To Do
1
Sit comfortably on the floor or a sofa and invite your child to curl up in your lap or lean against your chest whenever they seem unsettled or highly energetic.
2
Place one of your child's hands gently over your chest so they can physically feel the movement of your lungs as you take long, slow, exaggeratingly deep inhales and exhales.
3
Hum softly or model taking three slow deep breaths together, guiding them to match your steady rhythm using quiet, soothing verbal cues.
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Hold your child closely without speaking for ten seconds, taking deep breaths yourself to project a completely calm, unhurried emotional presence.
E
Engage:
- “What did it feel like when your hand was resting on my moving chest? How does your body feel different after we sit quietly and breathe together?”
E
Encourage:
- Watch your child as they try to match your slower breathing patterns and rest their heavy head on your shoulder. Say: "I see you working hard to settle your body down, and you are doing a wonderful job breathing softly with me!"
R
Reflect:
- “When your feelings start to get too big or loud, what does your chest or stomach feel like inside?”
As your child masters this skill...
You will notice them starting to look at you and immediately taking a deep breath on their own as soon as they sit in your lap, before you even begin modeling.