Help Your Child Learn to Self-Soothe With This Elmo-Approved Technique! by Mindy Hudon, M.S., CCC-SLP

Sometimes children feel mad or angry and their “monster” comes out – and it can cause havoc at school and home. Belly breathing is a calming strategy that helps children self-soothe. Here are some tips to help!

• Watch Elmo, Common and Colbie Caillat teach belly breathing with your child here.
• Practice doing belly breathing when your child is happy. This will help teach this tool so that when your child is mad or angry, it will be easier for him to use it on his own. 
• Take five minutes a day to practice for best results. Compliment your child for a great job practicing.
• If your child becomes mad or angry, gently remind her to use belly breathing. Model breathing with your child. 

Remember, practice, models, time and patience will help your child use belly breathing independently.