As parents, we're always looking for activities that can help our kids grow and develop in healthy ways. This article shares twelve simple and fun breathing exercises that can help kids focus better, stay calm, and feel more balanced overall. Let’s dive into these mindfulness activities that are perfect for kids of all ages!
1. The magic of breathing
"The Magic of Breathing" is all about paying attention to how we breathe. It’s a super simple but powerful way for kids to learn mindfulness and improve their focus. Just have them notice the rise and fall of their belly as they breathe in and out. Introduce your child to relaxation techniques with "The Magic of Breathing." This story guides them through simple exercises to help them stay calm. All you need is a quiet, comfy spot for this one!
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2. Balloon breathing
With balloon breathing, kids imagine their belly is a big balloon that inflates when they breathe in and deflates when they breathe out. This activity is great for sparking their imagination while also helping them practice mindfulness. You can even use a real balloon to make it more fun! Pair this activity with our grounding activities for kids for a more comprehensive approach to relaxation.
3. "Life is a Gift" meditation
This meditation helps kids appreciate the present moment by focusing on their surroundings and what makes them happy. It’s a great way to build mindfulness and gratitude. You can find guided meditations for kids on apps or YouTube to get started. Celebrate gratitude with "Un Momento para Agradecer." This story teaches children the joy of being thankful for the little things. Combine this with our gratitude activities for kids to foster a thankful mindset.
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4. Square breathing
Square breathing is all about breathing in, holding, breathing out, and holding again, each for a count of four—just like drawing a square. It helps kids focus on their breath and stay calm. Drawing a square on a piece of paper can help them visualize the steps. This technique can also be useful for anger management activities for teens.
5. Rainbow breathing
In rainbow breathing, kids imagine each breath as a different color of the rainbow. This not only makes the activity colorful and fun but also boosts their creativity while practicing mindfulness. You can use rainbow pictures or drawings to help them visualize. Pair this with our empathy activities for kids to help children understand different emotions.
6. Bubble breathing
Bubble breathing involves pretending to blow bubbles with each breath out. It’s a fun way to practice deep breathing and helps kids relax. If you have a bubble wand, it adds an extra layer of fun! This activity can be combined with our kindness activities for kids to encourage gentle, mindful interactions.
7. Flower and candle breathing
In this activity, kids pretend to smell a flower when they inhale and blow out a candle when they exhale. It’s a fun and easy way to focus on breathing. Using real flowers and pretend candles can make the activity more engaging (just keep safety in mind). This is a great addition to our tolerance activities for kids to teach patience and understanding.
8. Star breathing
Star breathing combines breathing with a tactile activity. Kids trace the outline of a star while breathing in and out. This helps them focus on both their breath and their movement. A star-shaped cutout or object can be a handy tool for this exercise. You can also explore our mindfulness activities for kids for more ideas like this.
9. Bumblebee breathing
In bumblebee breathing, kids hum like a bumblebee when they exhale. This fun activity uses sound to help them focus and stay mindful. Having a bumblebee toy or picture can make it even more interactive! To deepen the experience, pair it with our forgiveness activities for kids to encourage calmness and reflection.
10. Snake breathing
Snake breathing involves making a "ssss" sound while breathing out, like a snake. It’s a fun way to practice breath control and stay focused. A stuffed snake or toy can make this exercise more playful. This activity aligns well with our integrity activities for kids to promote honesty and consistency.
11. Counting breaths
Counting breaths is exactly what it sounds like—kids count each time they inhale and exhale. This simple exercise helps them stay present and mindful. Beads or small counters can be used to keep track of the count. Help your child discover calm with "The Magic of Breathing" This story is perfect for teaching relaxation and mindfulness techniques. It’s also a great complement to our patience activities for kids, teaching them to stay calm and focused.
12. Belly breathing
Belly breathing focuses on taking deep breaths that make the belly expand. It’s great for helping kids relax and become more aware of their bodies. Using a soft toy placed on their belly can help them see the rise and fall with each breath. Unlock a treasure of values with "Cofre de las Virtudes." This story offers lessons on kindness, honesty, and respect. This activity also pairs well with our perseverance activities for kids, encouraging kids to stick with it even when it’s challenging.
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Can breathing exercises help with anger management?
Absolutely! Breathing exercises can help kids manage anger by calming their minds and bodies, giving them a moment to pause and think before reacting. For more tips on managing emotions, check out our anger management activities for teens.
What is the best Time of day for breathing activities?
Breathing exercises can be done anytime, but they’re especially effective during quiet times, like early morning or right before bed, to help kids relax and focus. They also pair well with grounding activities for kids.
How do breathing exercises improve sleep?
Breathing exercises promote relaxation and help kids wind down, making it easier for them to fall asleep. Guide your child to inner peace with "Paz en tus Pensamientos." This story from the Storybook App helps kids calm their minds and find tranquility. Pairing them with mindfulness activities for kids can further enhance sleep quality.
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These twelve breathing activities are a fun and effective way to help kids practice mindfulness and improve their overall well-being. By adding these exercises to your child’s routine, you’re giving them valuable tools to stay calm, focused, and balanced—skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
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Establish a bedtime relaxing activity that signals to your toddler that it's time to wind down.
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Written By
Entrepreneur mum. I created Storybook: Bedtime Stories the #1 app in over 90 countries. I have been able to help families with the app and through my social media influence. I also created a Facebook group with over 12,000 moms where we support each other.
Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Lorena Koppel is a distinguished Child Clinical Psychologist based in Azuay, Ecuador, with over 26 years of experience at Monte Sinaí Hospital. She specializes in treating emotional disorders in children and adolescents, providing family counseling, and integrating theoretical and practical approaches in clinical psychology.
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