In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
What happens in a child’s brain during anxiety (fight, flight, freeze explained)
Why the prefrontal cortex “goes offline” during stress
How breathwork activates the parasympathetic nervous system
Why co-regulation matters more than correction
Three simple breathing techniques that work for young children and older kids
How to integrate breathwork into daily routines
How to help your child build lifelong emotional regulation skills
Breathwork Techniques Covered:
1. Balloon Belly Breathing
Diaphragmatic breathing that stimulates the vagus nerve and signals safety to the brain.
2. Smell the Flower, Blow Out the Candle
A sensory-based breathing exercise that extends the exhale for deeper calming.
3. Five-Finger Breathing
A tactile grounding technique that combines breath, rhythm, and movement.
Why This Matters
When children feel anxious, their bodies don’t feel safe. Breathwork is not about forcing calm, it’s about restoring safety in the nervous system. When safety is present, connection, learning, and emotional regulation become possible.
These tools are simple, free, accessible anywhere, and when practiced consistently, they help build resilient nervous systems for life.
Work With Me
If you want help implementing nervous system regulation and breathwork strategies tailored to your family, I’m offering a free 30-minute parent coaching session.
📩 Email: tarryn@theparentthing.com
📱 Follow @theparentthing on Instagram and TikTok for more parenting support and Neuro-Somatic Intelligence tools.
