Lately, I’ve been focusing on integrating mindful breathing into my home. After attending a transformative training on EMDR Therapy and Play Therapy in November—where somatic methods were emphasized—I realized how powerful these techniques could be for my family’s daily life.
As I became more attuned to our anxiety responses, I noticed that each stressful event felt like a miniature trauma. No wonder parenting can be so exhausting! I observed myself holding my breath, avoiding situations, raising my voice, feeling exasperated with my child, and sometimes even experiencing hopelessness about how to respond.
How to Shift Family Patterns of Anxiety with Breathwork
Recognizing these patterns, I sought ways to create movement and change within our family’s response to stress. I began processing small frustrations in the moment using breath and movement—and guided my kids to do the same.
Additionally, I explored techniques from Eline Snel’s book, Sitting Still Like a Frog, which provided valuable mindfulness strategies for children. These practices have made a noticeable difference! Even when my family slips into reactive patterns, I now have effective tools to help us regain balance and re-engage our frontal brains when challenges arise.
Two Simple Breathing Techniques for Parents and Kids
I recently discovered a fantastic blog post that offers two easy breathing exercises for parents and children to use when anxiety levels rise. These techniques are simple yet highly effective for calming the nervous system and restoring a sense of peace.
Click here to read more about these powerful breathing exercises.
Embrace Each Breath with Gratitude
Breath is a powerful tool for navigating the ups and downs of parenting. By practicing mindful breathing, we can create space for calmness, connection, and emotional resilience. May you enjoy each moment of lung expansion and experience gratitude for each breath you take! Life with our children is precious. Let’s breath our way through it, expanding each moment.
Looking for more specialized support for an anxious kiddo? Click here to learn more about how I can support you and your child with anxiety. The first step is the hardest to take. Reach out today for a complimentary 15-30 minute phone consultation to see how I can help.