Animal Breathing
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Description
A short, calm breathing game where your child copies slow "animal breaths" such as a snake hiss or bunny sniffs. The slow breathing helps the body settle, and it works as a quiet wind-down.
What to prep
- cushion_or_mat
Play guide
- 1Sit or lie down somewhere comfortable with your child, somewhere quiet.
- 2Introduce one animal breath and do it together slowly, such as a long snake hiss out ("hissss") or three little bunny sniffs in.
- 3Do each breath two or three times slowly, letting the out-breath be nice and long.
- 4Add one or two more animal breaths, keeping the pace slow and calm throughout.
- 5Finish with a few normal quiet breaths and a stretch, noticing together how the body feels calmer.
Success signals
Your child copies the slow breaths rather than rushing them. Their body settles a little, with slower movement or a quieter voice. They can name or ask for a favourite animal breath another time
If it's tricky
Child speeds up or turns it silly: Slow your own breathing right down and let them follow you rather than correcting them. Child will not join: Simply do the breaths yourself nearby; many children join once the pressure is off. Child gets dizzy or says it feels funny: Stop the deep breaths and just breathe normally together.