Skip to content

How to parent smarter not harder.

Finger breathing – how to calm anxious children

If you have ever tried to tell a young child who is in the grip of a big emotion to “Calm down,” you will know that often doesn’t work. Children need much more concrete strategies to help them cope when they are feeling overwhelmed. Like finger breathing. This is a great way for children to calm themselves down and manage anxiety and overwhelm. Teach them how to do it when they are in a calm moment (when they are overwrought is never a good time to get them to engage their learning brains!). And then prompt them to do their finger breathing when they need to reduce their fight-or-flight and find calm.

Here’s how to do it:

Not sure this is the right idea for your child? Watch this free video tutorial for lots more ideas for self soothe strategies. Find out about our specialised parenting support for parents of children with anxiety.

(This post is part of Twinkl Life’s Children’s Anxiety campaign, and is featured in their ‘Creative Calming Activities for Children with Anxiety’ post.)

Finger breathing: how to calm anxious children (by Anita Cleare) - photo of hands

Share this article:

Books by Anita Cleare

For working parents – practical tips on how to be the parent your child needs and create happy family dynamics (but still do your job!).

For parents of teenagers – the ultimate tools and strategies for connecting with your teenager and supporting them to find their talents.

Comments are closed.

Words 'And breathe', Parenting expert Anita Cleare video tuorial on self soothe strategies for children

WATCH NOW Webinar

Self-soothe strategies for overwhelmed children

15 minute video

When children are anxious or overwhelmed by big emotions, self soothe strategies can help them to calm down and avoid a meltdown. This free video explains how to teach self soothe strategies to your child and offers a variety of self soothe ideas for you to try out. [ages 3-11yrs].

FREE

Watch Now

Mindfulness apps for children and teens

Parents and professionals are deeply concerned about the impacts of the pandemic on children and teenagers’ emotional wellbeing. Coming on top of an existing crisis in children’s mental...

Girl sitting on the grass looking sad to illustrate parenting webinar by parenitng expert Anita Cleare on how too listen so children will talk

Anxious children: where to find help

If you are worried that your child’s anxiety is impacting negatively on his or her life then it’s a good idea to seek support. You’ll find some great advice for parents of anxious...

The Woorysaurus is one of the best books to help children with anxiety - photo of bookcover

Books to help children with anxiety (2-12yrs)

The best books to help children with anxiety are reassuring and approachable and give children ideas and practical strategies for managing their worries. Children who are worried or anxious...