Helping children to self-regulate through breath

Throughout my teaching, I have come across many children who have difficulties with emotional regulation. This is especially true for children with special needs, such as language disorders, ASD, anxiety and ADD/ADHD.

The scenario will always start with a trigger, which may or may not be obvious to the observer. Once the trigger has set in motion, the child begins to escalate. Sometimes, if intervention is quick, distraction can work a charm and the child’s attention can be diverted onto something else. Other times, however, the escalation continues until the child has no hope of bringing themselves back to a state of calm. The episode takes its course, with child and carer left feeling exhausted and depleted.

A more productive approach to teaching self-regulation is as a preventative, rather than a reactive, mechanism. Use of breath is critical to help a child self-calm and be able to problem-solve in a more methodical, logical and effective manner.

Inhalation provides energy and stimulation. As a child begins to lose control, anxiety sets in, heart rate increases and the inhalations quicken, possibly leading to a state of hyperventilation. This triggers the nervous system and places the body into a state of stress. The key to calmness through breath rests within the exhalation. By controlling the exhalation, the breath can remain long and slow, allowing the heart to steady and the nervous system to settle. Then problems can be dealt with in a more rational manner.

Teaching and learning breath control

For children under six years of age, it is best to practice the exhalation through the mouth. This is easier for young children and will help develop their awareness of breath. Many people are familiar with the concept of ‘milkshake breathing’, which teaches young ones to exhale slowly as if they are blowing bubbles into a milkshake. A slower breath produces ‘bigger bubbles’.

For older children and adults, it is much more effective for both inhalation and exhalation to take place through the nose. The nasal cavity plays an important part in warming, moistening and filtering air, in addition to assisting with oxygen and carbon dioxide regulation. Using the nose to breathe allows the breath to be longer and slower, which also assists in self-regulation.

For initial breathwork, it is helpful to lie down on a firm surface, such as timber flooring or tiles. A blanket can be placed under the body to provide some support if needed. Additionally, if there is any discomfort through the lower back, placing a bolster or pillows under the knees may help. It is important that the body is in a position of total ease, without any tension.

Begin by placing the hands on the belly and inhaling deeply. Become aware of the expansion as the belly rises and the breath moves upwards.

Draw the breath upwards through the rib cage and notice the expansion on both sides of the rib cage as well as the front and back of the body. Notice the back of the spine pressing down into the floor.

Continue to draw the breath up into the very top of the lungs just near the collarbone. The sternum lifts.

Pause.

With a sense of control, slowly begin to exhale, emptying from the belly first. In developing awareness, it may help to gently contract the abdomen, encouraging the breath to move upwards. Continue by emptying the breath from the rib cage, and then from the top of the chest.

Pause.

Repeat the cycle several times.

Start by practicing for a few minutes each day and gradually increase as able.

Other suggestions for children:

• Place your child’s favourite soft toy on their belly and encourage them to watch it moving up and down as they breathe.

• Use a standing breath technique and ask your child to visualise they are blowing up like a big balloon – using hands to stretch to the sky on the inhale, and back down on the exhale.

• Use a standing breath technique and ask your child to raise their hands to the sky on an inhale, folding forward as they slowly exhale into a forward bend or ‘ragdoll’ pose.

• Do a counted inhale / exhale – start with a short count of 2 or 3 seconds and lengthen as breath capacity increases.

• Humming bee breath – Encourage your child to inhale through the nose, and then ‘hum’ out their exhale. Continue for a few cycles. You can also tell your child to place their hands on their ears to help them internalise.

• Use feathers or cotton balls and ask your child to ‘make them dance’ with their exhale.

• Use child’s pose to complete your child’s breathing practice. This is a beautiful self-calming pose in itself. Children love the security within this pose, especially if it is combined with a gentle massage on their back!

Overall, place the emphasis on slow, controlled breathing. This is the breath that will help in times of stress and anxiety. Regular practice of such ‘conscious’ breathing is important so that your child can develop an understanding of breath and its ability to calm both the body and mind. With a calm body and mind, it becomes much more possible to approach problems in a rational manner.

xx Tracey xx