During times of stress or crisis, children look to adults for cues on how to manage their own emotions.
That’s why it’s so important for us, as caregivers, to stay regulated and offer calm, consistent support.
💛 Common Reactions to Stress in Children
These reactions are normal after stressful events and usually go away over time. But if they continue, your child may benefit from extra support:
🔹 Changes in sleep or appetite
🔹 Increased clinginess
🔹 Withdrawal or irritability
🔹 Difficulty concentrating
🔹 Regression in behavior (e.g., bedwetting, baby talk)
🧘♀️ Activities to Reduce Stress and Support Your Child’s Well-Being
These calming exercises can be done together. They not only support your child they also help you reconnect and regulate.
🌬️ 1. Belly Breathing
When we’re anxious, we breathe shallowly. Teaching your child belly breathing helps their body relax and improves oxygen flow.
How to practice together:
- Place a hand on your belly.
- Inhale through your nose for 5 seconds.
- Exhale through your mouth for 5 seconds.
- Repeat 5
times.
✨ Tell your child: “As you breathe in, imagine your belly softly inflating like a balloon... and as you breathe out, feel the balloon slowly deflating.”
🌴 2. My Special Place Guided Visualization
Help your child imagine a calm, safe place in their mind where they can return to anytime they feel overwhelmed.
How to guide your child:
- Sit or lie down comfortably with them.
- Breathe deeply together.
- Use this gentle story:
“Imagine standing on a quiet, white sandy beach. The morning sun warms your face. The breeze is soft. Birds are singing above. You feel safe, happy, and peaceful. This place is always with you in your heart. You can return here whenever you need to feel calm.”
Encourage them to gently return to the room with a big stretch and soft breath.
🧡 Remember:
When you practice these tools with your child, you’re building their emotional strength — and your own.
✨ Need more personalized support?
Anawtoflii offers:
🧸 1:1 coaching sessions for parents
📘 Printable calming tools and emotional guides
🎒 Montessori-based activities that promote emotional resilience
📩 DM to book your session or learn more about our well-being kits.
Let’s raise emotionally resilient children together.
